.Nutbudquilter

Presents Galore from Pamx

2012-01-13T07:41:00.000-08:00

Presents Galore

I wanted to show a photo of this package of yummy goodies which came from Pam, (Mammasparks) for my Christmas box. I'm working on something secret for Pam but I cant show any pictures though I am keeping a little diary of what I'm doing and how the project is working out. I wanted to do a little something handmade which is in slow process as with my MS some days I can sew and other days cant move my fingers.

It really made my Christmas when I got these yummy goodies, Pam did ask me for a wishlist and I would of been happy with just one or two items but bless Pam she waved her magic wand from Mammasparks Land.....and included these wonderful patterns, fabrics, special little leather thimbles, and the wash away applique paper which wow is absolute godsend. I will let you all know how I get on with the dressmaking, and the yummy fabrics. Ive had to wait til Jim could take the photos for me as my hands shake now and again, theres been plenty of out of focus pictures (hee hee).
We need to bring the scanner out of the attic so that I can scan my art work for you.

Jim managed to drive me to the fabric guild as I wanted some more little plastic storage boxes that you can put your embroidery threads in. So THANKYOU THANKYOU Pamx and Jim for taking the photos for me.

Thursday Classes

2012-01-12T12:36:00.000-08:00

Every Wednesday I go to my friend Jean's house for our little creative gatherings, getting out our crafts and learning to dress make. Every Thursday morning we all go to a bigger group which is held in the Holy Apostles Scout hut on the other side of Leicester. At first I did wonder would I have the energy to go to another class in the same week?, but so glad I did as it meant meeting more brilliant people and getting such inspiration from other members crafts and needlework. At the moment all the other ladies are working on a small hexagon pincushion while me and Jean try to have a go at making a little pouch for our thimbles made out of three leaf shapes. Six cardboard leaf shapes are cut out then covered over with fabric using glue. Jean and the other ladies kindly let me take some photos to show you what we are doing. Three leaf shapes for inside the pouch had the inner lining cover and the rest of the leaves had the outer material in our chosen design. I found the hardest bit was stitching the leaf edges together as I was stitching through dried glue, fabric and card. This is my very first attempt so I guess the more I make, the more it will get better.
The photo where you can see a cushion with clamshells and a large triangular pincushion is actually a doorstop with a padded pebble inside which I thought was a great idea, Ive yet to learn all these lovely methods and cant wait but I will let you know how it all goes with my little projects, good and bad.

New Year Sort Out

2012-01-08T04:46:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody, hope you are all managing to stay warm and keeping busy in the quilt, stitching world here. Over the last few days Ive been sorting out my little plastic bags of jumble, mainly of jumbled up threads, sorting them out and winding them onto cardboard or plastic bobbins. My favourite threads are always real, pure silk variegated threads but these are expensive and can be hard to get so Ive been cherishing the little bits and pieces that I have got. Theres still a lot more threads to be sorted out but the rest will have to wait til I can get some more bobbins.
Meanwhile Ive bought one of the dog coats down to have ago at stitching. The material patterns are cut out, the binding tacked on, but my goodness I feel such an amateur in this department. I can just imagine my teacher friend's saying undo that and stitch it on properly....... eeek. I though I will carry on here, its only a dog coat and I'm learning with the mistakes that I'm making here. I'm hand stitching everything as I feel safer that way and in control. The sewing machine the little one that I have would not cope with sewing through three layers so for now I'm happy with just my needle and thread. The top layer of the dog coat is green, waterproof, theres two layers fleece like material to keep them warm. I'm noticing that the weather is getting colder again so bit by bit, when I can Ive been having a go at these coats.
I got a lovely surprise package from my dear friend Pam.... thank you Pamx I will take photos of little bits and pieces of the parcel delights in what I'm going to do with them and show pictures how I'm working with them. My brain has got rusty in taking photos and downloading the images but I'm making a start and made a vow to make more effort on my blog and to keep in touch with all you friends out there, I have not forgotten about you all.
Two days ago,,,,,, it happened to me, Scruff did a runner and went missing (naughty hound!), so I had to dash in the house get my coat and lead and frantically look for that black tearaway scoundrel. As I tried to walk up a pathway, I tripped on the kerb and fell making a lovely mess with two bruised knees reminding me I'm like a kid again. After about three quarters of an hour I spotted Scruff up one of the back roads while phoning Jim at work saying Ive lost Scruff. I managed to grab Scruff by her collar and bring her home again. Dogs eh..... grrr. I think while I fell I lost one of my precious bracelets from my mum and just not been able to find it, so touch wood it will be in the house somewhere, I will keep looking.
I will keep you all informed how I'm getting on with my projects good and bad (laughs).

Dye Candy: Dye Candy Giveaway

2012-01-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

Dye Candy: Dye Candy Giveaway

Happy New Year Everyone

2012-01-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

Id like to say a belated Happy New Year to everyone, I know I have not been on here much but I hope to work on the blog more now its 2012.
Over the Christmas holidays I had been working on a needlepoint which Jim bought for me what feels like years ago. I'm now stitching the gold in some of the leaves on the needlepoint. A few days ago I got a wonderful package from my great friend Pam.
Ive been having problems with the camera so I will try and get Jim to take some photos of the Magical items Ive got from Pam, Thank you Pam you're an absolute star.
As you know I have good days and bad days with this MS. I didn't sleep at all last night as everything hurt. Thankfully the doctor has given me some tablets to help me to sleep at night and try to rest. Ive been saying to Jim I really want to write on my blog more as Ive been having a lot of those writer's block syndromes.
Back to the picture of the Needlepoint, the design is by one of my favourite designers called Candace Bahouth whos done a lot of for the fabulous Erhman Shop down in London.
I still collect books about needlework, ideas, as you know you can never get enough of what ever you want, be it threads, needles, kits even.
Tomorrow I'm hoping to go a sewing shop in Leicester that Ive not been to before, so I will let you know how it goes on and if we can find the shop.

New Applique

2011-12-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, just sometimes, working on long length projects can get a little tiring, so decided to have a go at some applique. About two to three years ago Jim got me a quilt pattern from America called Celestial Dreams. I had a go at some flower petals which worked great using the print, cut stitch and fuse wash away paper done by the company C&T publishing. I loved working with this as I could stitch away through layers whether in bed or sat on the sofa. On the colour copy of the sheet showing Celestial Stars I noticed that the designer used fabric that had stars printed within the petal leaves, I loved this image. I did search around for a while for fabric like this but couldnt find anything suitable so decided to embroider some black stars on yellow using the template from two penny pieces. I loved how this turned out.
Im now working on the middle of the flower embroidering small tiny squares to make it look interesting. The great thing about applique you can use bits of scrap material that youve had for ages and just didnt know what they could be handy for next.
I will try and make an effort to write more on the blog though sometimes I admit Ive had what to you call in my version the blank page block, just what do you write about without having a moan and groan and repeating negative comments from the mouths that can talk! I hope you like what I have been working on.
I did manage to go to the fabric guild this morning to get some pale turquiose for the centre of Celestial Dreams, I had to be good as Jim kept moaning dont damage the bank balance too much, with that, well I did try my best.

The Clock Tower Of Leicester

2011-11-24T16:59:00.000-08:00

I know we dread the night when it gets so much darker earlier in the evenings but I just love it when the Christmas lights are put up in the town centre and when Monuments and Clock Towers are all lit up showing such character and detail. Jim took these fabulous pictures for me to put on my blog, Im thrilled with the pictures they remind me Christmas, winter postcards and greeting cards. On the quilting front I have done a little bit of sewing and managed to get some of my favourite quilting magazines from the newsagents "Quiltmania".

Roxy

2011-11-19T11:04:00.000-08:00

Over the last few days which has been hectic, I called into Loughborough town to visit the quilt shop and other great shops which are on the same little lane. The main reason was to buy some raffle tickets to try and win a sewing machine so fingers crossed.
At the end of the road was a tiny church where a little exhibition was being staged by some quilters from the quilt shop. Not realising I had come to the exhibition way too early as the exhibition was supposed to be opening in the evening but the lovely ladies there putting up the quilts still let me have a quick look round. The money which could of paid the entry fees went onto some more raffle tickets. I did manage to take some more photos before the camera died down even with brand new batteries.
I didnt see many quilts that were hand quilted though which I was a little disapointed in, but I do realise alot of quilters just dont have the time to hand quilt and would rather sew everything on the sewing machine. I hope you will enjoy the photos.

The name Roxy is a name of the dog that lived in a shop just a few doors down from the quilting shop, I called in the shop to look at wellingtons and there was the dog posing on a shelf as if was part of the fittings. Roxy stayed there and posed for the camera taking it all in his stride then he went back to sleep again. Roxy reminded me of a mini Scruff, one of those dogs you just wanted to take home with you but with four hounds this is already a houseful, no more dogs,,,,,, yes I can hear you Jim.

Black Hearts

2011-11-04T23:40:00.000-07:00

Well I thought even though I couldnt show you the picture of what id been sewing, I would tell you about it. I kept a lot of my winter coats up in the attic and one day decided to bring one down, now that the cold weather has loomed up on us.
I was amazed to see a hole in my fake fur coat, what ever did that? then it dawned on me, naughty MICE! Jim kindly took me all the way to Loughborough to have a look in the quilt shop there to see if they had anything. I got some iron on interfacing, a metre of fabric and some threads, beads, all towards sewing the applique on the coat.
All Friday evening while the fireworks made loads of noise upsetting the dogs, I cut out two heart shapes and decided to use black. I was scratching my head wondering just how was I going to tack the hearts on the coat, then I realised I had to basting spray which was brilliant and I would certainly use it again. The black hearts got sewn on as if sewing a badge, I showed Jim and Rachel, they said it looked okay can hardly see the black hearts on the coat, so that was good, what I wanted. One thing for sure, the coat is living in the wardrobe for good now, now that I know mice are up in the attic living somewhere in their Buckingham Palace, with a bit of that coat fur in their nest.
Theres been a combination of celebrations here in Leicester. The indian sihks had their Diwali celebrations which is their type of Christmas, and today is Guy fawkes night where bonfires and fireworks are lit all over the country. Jazz and Scratch hate the fireworks, had to have a drop of herbal rescue remedy to try and calm them down. Im hoping to go to an art exhibition today which is why I worked on the fur coat. I will try and take some pictures so that I can show you all, fingers crossed.

That Friday Feeling

2011-10-21T03:14:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday the 19th of October it was my birthday where I was 21 again, or I wish (hee hee). Jim bought me some Lancome perfume and a bottle of Vanilla Vodka for those nights when I'm just on my own having some hand quilting fun, me, my hounds and the TV switched on for company on those dark nights. Jim tried to take me to a place called Ashby but we got lost so had to come home even though the Sat Nav sent us round the traffic Island a few times and drove Jim absolutely mad. Jim did me my favourite food for supper, Nacho chips with melted cheese and dips for my real birthday treat, fabulous. We were both so tired we went to bed earlier than usual.
On the Thursday I went along to a crafts group which is held every two weeks, I took along that patchwork hexagon coat that I'm still working on. This is one reason why Ive not been on the blog world much as I just didn't know what to write. I had been working almost every day hand quilting the coat idea which has been ongoing for the last two years. Theres only two more metres to hand quilt now before bravely cutting out the pattern. On the Wednesday morning Ive been going to my Friend Jean's house, learning about dress making. Next week Ive to learn to attempt a zip on the sewing machine which Ive never done in my life but they are important to learn especially when you want to learn how to do dresses, skirts, trousers.
One of the ladies took a photo of me and my hand quilting, I said I needed a picture for my blog and here it is.... and guess what, the camera is still working!
Over the last few weeks Ive been making sure that I don't start any new projects to try and finish items which is really my weakest point!! apparently this is common to Librans so I don't feel so bad about that now.

Jazz

2011-09-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

As promised I'm back here again. Over the last few days Ive been painting Rachel a birthday card. Ive not painted dogs for a few years so this was quite a challenge.
I used thinned down cheap Reeves acrylic paints. I thought this painting would just be a practise piece but decided to use this anyway as the painting was as near to the photo image that I could get it. There were moments of frustration when I just had to walk away and leave the painting then go back to it later.
Hope all of you are having fun and being creative, its a lovely sunny day. I feel a bit shaky and weak so will have to take it easy and just read a book.

Carrot Hair!

2011-09-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

I know it has been such a long time since I last wrote on this blog, I'm determined to
try and write each day or every few days. I have been busy with the needle and thread, learning to dress make with some great friends where I go to a friend's house every Wednesday. Ive been cutting out a pattern for dress number two which will go under a pinafore style dress which is a very pale pastel green. I'm learning and everything takes time. Last week I was shocked at what size I was checking out the measurements for the dress size but its diet time for me, I must say its not easy with not being able to exercise much with my MS. So all chocolates, anything sugary or mega fatty are out at the moment. It will be Rachel's birthday on Friday, Jim was telling me it was for today, I worked hard like a mad woman doing a few things but at least a few things are ready and I cant say on exactly what I have been doing (wink wink), as it would spoil the surprise.
My watch needed a new battery and I needed to take a bracelet in to be mended so Jim and myself called into Leicester town and noticed that the continental market was on.
Jim took some photos for me after we had dropped off a bagful of goodies to a charity shop. Jim had caught the back of me on one of the photos and can you see that carrot hair? yep, that is me, Ive never seen the back of me before like this.
Ive got the Autumn edition of Quiltmania and wow I just love that magazine, so full of ideas and so full of quilts I want to have a go at.
Meanwhile on the front pages of newspapers, it says we will have the freeze in October, an early frost. I will certainly have to get my hounds some new coats next week to keep them warm when going out for walkies. Bongo is definitely growing and looking great and getting more cheekier than ever. I hope you enjoy the photos, see you again SOON!

Threads and more threads!

2011-07-26T01:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Ive not deserted you all, just been busy working on one of my quilts that i had dragged down from the attic. I went up to look for something else and came across a quilt that I had forgotten about which I started hand quilting about four years ago, when I had my other flat. Alice, bless her, used to love laying next to this quilt while I hand quilted away. I thought i just had to bring this down and work on it, as if Alice was still with me. Yesterday while I stitched away for several hours, Bongo came to lay next to mummy just as if Alice was telling her what to do.
Bongo soon got bored and jumped off the sofa for other adventures but at the moment its just nice to hand quilt. Before I start, I thread quite a few needles ready with some of my favourite YLI threads called Rio de Janiero. If I run out I will get some more, hopefully I will get paid by next Tuesday so that I can get some. Its that end of the money blues time when you are short of cash and have to watch every penny, I hate those times. i have stocked up on other types of threads just in case I run our on the Rio de Janeiro one.
The pennant will be ready to be sewn with the backing and label ready for the special Olympics. My lovely teacher Anne suggested I leave the front just as it is, as I had used coloured pencil using the brand coloursoft to fill in the leaves. i was hoping to try the trapunto method but quite a few if my friends said the same, that the front was fine as it is.
Sadly tomorrow morning will be the last group meeting as Anne is unable to continue to teach. Instead I shall go to my friends house Jean on a Wednesday morning so that i can still get help and tuition with my projects and dress making.
Ive bought the most easiest pattern to try, a simple apron dress that you tie the sides at the back of you, I will post some images to show what I mean.

Meanwhile my poor mum is in hospital on an antibiotic drip to try and fight the infection that had got into her operated foot from weeks ago, and poor Scruff had cut her paw too, possibly on some glass while running like crazy on a field.

The pictures Ive included shows that particular quilt that I am working on, and the horse pennant with the leaves filled in with coloursoft green.

I hope everyone is OK and able to have lots of creative quilting fun in the next few days.

Horsing Around

2011-07-18T09:37:00.000-07:00

Only recently Ive been sewing again after being so busy with our four dogs and doing other things. As part of my Wednesday group project, everyone has been asked to make a pennant for the Olympics next year. The pennants are for the Special Olympic competitors, for those that don't win a medal. I decided to have a go at a horse.
the horse was traced then painted with acrylics as part of an experiment.
Yesterday I designed the Laurel leaves and at the moment sewing round the edges.
I'm hoping to stuff the leaves and the horse with some stuffing when all the stitching is done to make it like Trapunto. I'm having to work quickly as the purple marker is fading fast. I did have a sewline pencil but it went missing, no where to be found.
The bottom part of the pennant is round, the shape is a bit like an upside down key hole.
Im also working on an easy peasy dress to try and get my confidence in the dress making world. I have a few Friends in the Wednesday group that will advise me and at home a small trusty little sewing machine that was bought for me by a dear old friend called Connie bless her, quite a few years ago now. I would still love a quilting machine, I keep asking the universe for one and entering competitions....fingers crossed!!. i hope everyone is OK, i really must go round and visit every ones blog, Ive not forgotten about you all.

The Green Rag

2011-06-27T07:33:00.000-07:00

This morning was gloriously hot, just a tad too hot for my liking but thankfully this afternoon the weather has cooled down. I had a hospital appointment about my MS to try some medication to combat the nasty spasms that have been happening a few hours after the Beta Interferron injections. You know me, I just cant sit and be bored, I took some of my sewing with me to do while waiting to see the MS nurse.
You may remember a while a go I dyed some material green which I call my green rag and stenciled some Celtic patterns onto the material. A while ago, perhaps a year or two, i started stitching this piece then got bored with it. I found the green rag again and felt a pull to have another go at the stitching while waiting in medical rooms, or something on the telly but needing something to do, so here is my green rag again.
I took a photo and Jim kindly edited the picture for me.
I'm also into a really good book which I just cannot put down called The Game Of Thrones which all started when we watched the series on SKY. Not all the series were subtitled for the deaf so there was alot that was missed out, but with a book, magic, a lot of catching up to do.
I promise I will write about the pennants for the Olympic competitors for next year, its a great project and anyone can join in and take part, you name it, knit, sew, quilt..... Ive to look up some links so that I can post them on here and write about my adventures in starting to attempt one of these. So keep coming back to look and see what I write.
Cheerio.... Happy quilting, craftingxxx

More bags sewn and bags under the Eyes!!

2011-06-20T08:18:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I thought I had better write on blogland as ive not been here for ages with keeping busy looking after Bongo and "Horay!" I managed to do some sewing today sitting in my little white room stitching away and loving every moment next to my scented candles and the feeling of wonderful peace.
I stitched some more bags with the left over hexagons, these were beaded all round the edge which took a while to do and thread the ribbons through was very fiddly too but I managed it. These are now ready to be posted to my mum who will dish them out in the family to my sister and niece. Everything was done by hand the quilting and stitching using dmc or anchor thread. The wednesday group has given me an interesting project to do thinking and designing penants for the Olympic competitors who perhaps havent got a gold medal but will get a little pennant instead stitched by someone.
I thought about doing a horse, tommorrow i will have ago with some material and see what I can come up with.

Bags of Delight

2011-05-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

While dog sitting and keeping my eye on all the lovely hounds.
Ive been stitching away on all my left over hexagons from the coat
idea. I had to look at an old drawstring bag for ideas, how one was put
together. I mainly concentrated on adding more to the hexagon flower so
that its almost a full circle like the original drawstring bag.
On this one I appliqued a heart and everything was hand-stitched as I really
didn't want to be messing about with a sewing machine. at the moment theres no
room as theres so many projects on the go and so much sorting out to with almost everything living on the shelves and tables such as books, paper, music sheets and more
needles and threads.
I enjoy hand stitching, its good therapy. This green and blue hexagon bag took me a
few days to make and with help from my wonderful teacher and Friend Anne, Anne was able to show me how to make the cord twisting the threads and how the drawstring technique worked as the bag need two sort of looped strings. I had forgotten to take my ribbons to the class and Anne said don't worry we can make some cords instead and wow I love it.
Ive never used twisted cord before or seen how they were made so that really was a bonus. Ive got quite a few of these bags to do now as my mum would like a couple and so would my sister. Theres no crafts group next week so I will be busy. The crafts class have each got to work on a pennant triangle. a bit like buntings that you see hanging up at parties or garden fetes. The Idea is to do a pennant incorporating the Olympics. I have chosen to do a horse. I now have a rough idea what I want to do but Ive got to experiment, keep your eyes peeled on the blog to see what happens whether the pennants work or not.
All the dogs are doing great and Bongo has settled in so well in this household and pack of other hounds.

Bongo Boggins......

2011-05-19T04:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry Ive not posted anything for the last couple of days, we have all been busy in the household. On the Monday afternoon we collected Bongo from the Breeders place an area called Sutton Bonnington which I had not heard of before. Rachel held Bongo in the back seat while arriving to her new home. Thumbs up so far all the others, Scratch, Jazz and Scruff have been great. Scratch doesnt mind as long as Bongo doesnt enter her space too much. Scruff loves playing with Bongo but I have to remind Scruff not to be too rough with her shes still only a baby. Bongo will have sessions of energy play with such fun then go to sleep under the brown chair just to recharge her batteries.
So much of her little ways remind me of Alice and Im sure Alice is showing her what to do as Bongo loves Alice's favourite rainbow dog lead to play with and while the band came round last night with all their music, guitars loud speakers, it didnt bother Bongo one bit. I had to take Bongo to bed for a while as she got so excited but everyone loves her and she all so full of FUN!

Hey Baby

2011-05-10T13:48:00.001-07:00

hey guess what, I have some good news, I'm bringing home a new member to the dog clan
next week. The new member is a lurcher cross whippet pup bitch similar markings to Alice, named Bongo in tribute to Alice. Next week will be when Bongo will be old enough to leave her mum and say goodbye to her other brothers and sisters. I'm really excited I'm absolutely skint now but it will be worth it. I will keep you all posted what happens when we collect Bongo and how she settles in.
Today Jim and me went to Skegness seaside, I hadn't been there for absolutely years.
It was nice to paddle in the sea again and walk on slippery sand, I bought one tiny little pot from the charity shop to place on my altar of beautiful gemstones and happy memories. i did take my sewing with me in case i got bored, but I was too busy looking round the area and hopping in and out of charity shops.
The night time classes of silk painting got cancelled as the college didn't have enough people to run a class which is a real shame but never mind I'm sure I will be busy with Bongo.

Endless Tacking

2011-05-07T04:57:00.000-07:00

How is everyone? hopefully not too rained under now that we have rain but my goodness the ground really needs it as we havnt had good rain since February March time.
When not busy on the computer Ive been sitting on the red beanbag tacking this huge kingsized quilt. Ive still got a very long way to go but it will be worth it in the end just to have the quilt back on the bed for winter 2011.
Im still working on getting another dog, ive been keeping an eye on adverts and talking to people enquiring about their dogs or pups. Black and White lurchers just like how our lovely Alice was are hard to come by.
The images may look boring but it shows what im working on. When all the tacking is done Im hoping to hand quilt using embroidery threads as I just love seeing stitches done in thicker threads which I think gives character to the quilt and gives it that nomadic feel.

Still Around

2011-05-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still around, just had some naughty hackers mess everything up on my facebook account, so its currently being looked into. I now have a tiny white room as I call it that reminds me of a box room which used to be Rachel's old bedroom. Ive claimed this room, decorated the wall white, put up some curtains and when I can, stitch or baste one of my quilts sitting on a red beanbag. I have loads of projects on the go, the problem is they are all long term projects that take absolutely ages to do.
Quite sometime ago I made a quilt top using diagonal stripes. This was a mega big quilt held together with just safety pins ( the quilters ones of course). In the winter it got so cold that i just had to throw this over the bed to keep us all warm. With three dogs and a fella it got messed up, in need of the dry cleaners but it needs stitching up good and proper.
I'm basting this quilt now as it would be ashame to not stitch this quilt, the bottom blue fabric is gathered in the wrong places and i wont show this to anyone but what the hell only me is the quilter in this house. In the future though I will send my quilt tops to be basted professionally as its impossible to baste a quilt on my own and with my MS.
Ive been blind in my right eye for about three weeks after yet another relapse.
I'm pleased to say my sight is a lot better but everything is still blurry. Thankfully I just need to baste with big red stitches so that I can see.
You have all been in my thoughts and I will try and catch up with everyone, I have missed you all. It has been a frightening time with this blindness especially as I love detailed work such as painting or stitching.
This morning with it being a lovely sunny Sunday, i took myself over to the car boot sale, and came back with a music stand bought for a pound which pleased Jim as he now has his own music stand for when he plays his guitar. Some flower prints for about ten pence each, a lovely folk artsy cockeral to sit in my white room and thats about it. Scruff was so determined to come with her mummy and she won. she was a good girl, still nervous of people but the more I take her around these places the better so that she can get used to everyone and everything.
I'm still missing dog number four and hinted for another dog. you may think I'm mad but for the last four years we've always had four dogs in this house. Who knows I keep you all informed with my little zoo of dogs.

Still here

2011-03-31T03:04:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry Ive not posted for a while but i have been thinking of you all.
The good news is that I am walking better but the bad news is I'm having sight problems due to inflamed optic nerves thanks to the MS. The doctor said there is nothing I can do but to wait and if it gets any worse may have to go back in hospital for some steroid drips again. Rest is a dirty word to me I can never sit still. it is a good job that I was taught how to type when I was a t school so that I can just look at the keyboards while I'm typing but look at the screen later as the computer screen hurts my eyes..
So fingers crossed this will be temporary. Ive been on a batik course at college and I just have one more week left to do next week.
The topic for the sketch book has been trees which I have been really busy working on. I came up with a design just like this watercolour that you can see in the picture, based on tree barks that I have drawn which have been enlarged then enlarged again.
My wonderful teacher Anne gave me a frame to stretch the material, and some pins.
The next job was to paint or draw on the hot beeswax. Because my eye-sight is being a nuisance I was a bit slow so Anne let me take the batik pot home to borrow so that I could finish applying the beeswax. Hopefully next week, the colours will go on and who knows what will happen. The finished piece will be a book cover for the sketchbook based on trees and the batik course. I hope everyone is OK and still doing your fabulous quilting.
The next good news, I now have a quilting room. The room is small which used to be Rachel's bedroom but its perfect for me to sew away, baste my quilts together without any noise, people or dogs but I bet the dogs will still find their way to help me out.
The room needs decorating but it will have to be done when my eyes are feeling better.

Tapestry Creations

2011-02-13T06:12:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster ride with this silly MS.
I ended up having a nasty relapse and ended up back in hospital in
need of steroids drips. Slowly I'm on the mend, while I'm waiting for the numbness
to wear off now that I'm back home, I'm working on this tapestry which Jim bought me
for Christmas. I'm going to change the pattern of the lurcher to Alice's markings.
I will get back to my patchwork and quilting just keep watching x

Lovely Surprise

2011-01-11T04:36:00.000-08:00

I got a lovely surprise this morning when the postman knocked on the door sending me a package from Pam, I got a gorgeous bracelet made of leather and sterling silver with the lovely glowing bead called "faith"... I. love it, I put this on straight away and got Jim to take some pictures. Also in the package is a gorgeous wall hanging made by Pam and quilted by Liz, so neat and tidy, the standard of the binding put together I wish I could do binding as good as that... I call this my little Christmas Chickadee I love it, Pam also put in the leather stick on thimbles which are great as I do have a lot of hand quilting to get on with in the next couple of days and weeks. So Pam thanks once again....the package has been a wonderful surprise and really cheered me up on this dark cold day. The colours of the material on the wall hanging is great.... and wow see that blue on the bracelet. see how it glows...x

Tomorrow we are hoping to go as see a very special dog called Diva who is just like Alice, she is currently with the East Midlands Dog Rescue, we will going to the kennels to take out pack to see if they get on with Diva, it will be nice to see the place and other dogs to give me some ideas on little lap quilts to make for them.
My New York Beauties are slowing growing, Ive to hunt round for five metres of fabric in the attic or possible buy some from somewhere but I have not yet found anything that has pulled my heartstrings to say yes,,,, that's the one to go with the black and multicoloured spiky bits.

New York Beauty Samples

2011-01-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

Out came the sewing machine again, some of my favourite scraps and some black fabric.
The first block was a disaster but block one and two started to improve, I noticed as long as the scraps were long and wide enough the sharp wedges would all be covered. Ive really enjoyed doing these, anything to do with New York Beauties patterns I'm starting to look out for and get addicted to. I remember looking at blogs before where other quilters have sewn New York Beauties and I thought how an earth was that done, I would never be able to do that, but proved myself wrong and enjoying doing something different. The great big roll of freezer paper is really coming in handy, I'm so glad I bought this about two years ago despite other needle workers and shop owners mentioning
"Now what do you need all that for!", goes to show everything you get is used and needed someday. Let me know what you think to these first few blocks.

New ideas, New Year

2011-01-02T11:14:00.000-08:00

Did you all have a good Christmas? I do hope so. Me, Jim and our dogs had
a quiet Christmas but it was a good thing as with my MS I needed just lots of
sleep and that is what I definitely did..... sleep a lot!!
Quite of few of you may have thought I hibernated somewhere.... only to my bed.
It was time to get the sewing machine out after a long holiday hiding in the cat
room (the machine Ive called Zola) that is. Theres a quilting magazine that I buy called FABRICATIONS MAGAZINE and the front cover really pulled me wanting to make me pull my finger out and have a go. the quilt design is called New York Garden by Anja Townrow. I had never ever done foundation paper piecing before so this was quite a challenge. The first little block was a disaster and the second block was much better
once I got into the rhythm where the fabric pieces went, it was all fun and challenging. I will let you know how I get on.

Long Time No See

2010-12-08T00:31:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone, sorry I have not posted for a while as the big computer had broken down which meant there was just the small laptop notebook to get online but only for emails. Wow didn't I find this so frustrating!! so now that Jim bought the house a new computer, I'm able to get back online again and catch up with all my blogging friends.

I have missed you all very much. Everyday has been getting better after the loss of Alice, we have her ashes home now so everyone is just plodding along and doing their own thing. Ive been making lots of little pressies and personal cards. I could only do a bit as a time as I found my concentrating levels are now much smaller than what I used to be able to do. This sounds ridiculous but I was just able to do perhaps a bit of stitching and a bit of painting in about three hours then rest. I suppose I have to do everything slowly and just go with the flow. So my friends you have not been forgotten, everyone will get a bit of my magic, these things just take time for the magic to come through your postbox x.
The snow and the Ice have been bad, I cant remember England having snow as bad as this since 1976 onwards, i was so excited and played out in the snow for hours with my wooden sledge that my dad had made me, it was heavy wood but I great speeding sledge.
Where Jim works, a fox has been sleeping in the car park on top of cars, Jim took a picture so I just had to post this picture to show you all.

The Snow is Coming!!! EEEK

2010-11-24T17:46:00.000-08:00

Wow its very cold outside and its snowing too. Ive not been out much, mainly working on little presents, bits of beading and small items. I will show some pictures once my friends get their prezzies, otherwise it would not be a surprise. I'm OK as long as the projects aren't too big, something small and fiddly perhaps.
I did try knitting again yesterday but Jazz somehow sniffed out my knitting,took the first knitted two rows off the needles and muddled up all the wool breaking bits off.
All for a nest, and all for a protest I think that her mate has gone to bed with Mum and Dad leaving Jazz downstairs,,,, "Huh" says Jazz, its just simply not allowed.
Ive enrolled myself to go on an evening batik course In the new year which runs for a term I think. I would of liked to of gone to my sewing class this morning but my legs just wouldn't let me, they ached and felt as if pinned down to the floor with large iron nails. After some much needed hoovering it was nice to sit down for a few hours and get a little bit of stitching done. Jim got the huge computer tower back after going for repairs and having to be cleared out of the nasty virus. Tomorrow Scruff goes back to the vets to hopefully have her stitches out, who knows, shes so full of energy like an elastic band so wanting to flip and turn, bounce off anything, anywhere. I wont be getting the knitting out til all the gifts and cards have been made, I have to be in the mood to get things done, be inspired. Maybe when I go back to my sewing classes in the new year I will start doing some more knitting then, Ill be able to get help when I get stuck.

Zentangle Doodle Noodle

2010-11-21T10:47:00.000-08:00

I got this fabulous card from Judy in Australia after I agreed to also have a go at a Zentangle doodle noodle postcard swap. (thank you Judy! this is great!)

Anyone can do this, anywhere, waiting for that phone call, waiting somewhere sat down, just get out your pen and have some doodle fun.
So if you fancy swapping a Zentangle Doodle noodle postcard with me, let me know and we'll swap addresses.
Scruff still has her lampshade collar on and when not asleep, trying her up most to get this damn plastic thing off she says in must disgust.
My MS has been making me sleep all day so Ive not been able to do much creativity as I had wanted. I manage to finish off stitching some presents and guess what... I have a scarf from last year that needed knitting some more. So the knitting needles have been in action a nice change from the needle and thread but I must admit Im not a very good knitter. Im still really tired, just one of those MS moment where you just have to go with the flow and go at the pace that you can go at. Sometimes the pace reminds me of the snail while everyone else is flapping about Christmas shopping, being so organised in their wonderful decluttered homes apart from me.

More Vets.

2010-11-19T09:37:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your kind words and support to me, Jim and
our clan of hounds. Each day gets a little bit better though everything
reminds you where Alice used to lay, look at you, walk by you.
Ive not been able to walk much as my MS has been playing up so Jim took
Scratch, Jazz and Scruff for a walk on the field for a good run and poor
Scruff has either been badly bitten on the side causing a nasty looking
fleshy hole or she got it caught on something. It didn't look good so we had
to rush Scruff to the vets where she is being sedated and stitched poor thing.
There was was a woman right at the far end of the field with two dogs which had a staffie and an Alsatian... there was some sort of commotion but Jim didn't really notice anything until he got all the dogs on the lead and walking home and there is the nasty wound..... "ouch!".
The vet will call us in an hour and a half to pick Scruff up and I just cant wait to get my baby back after all what has happened.

My Lovely Alice

2010-11-16T11:07:00.000-08:00

You may remember me writing about Alice a few months back how she was poorly but she came back again. Well Im sad to say i had to make that awful decision to have Alice put down when she started to have problems with her back legs. The legs started swelling up and she had the runs quite bad on top of having the dreadful tumour.
She couldnt get upstairs anymore finding it very difficult, now and again kept collapsing on the floor trying to use her back legs.
Its a very painful time, I just cant stop crying,,, the worst thing is before she went she was enjoying her biscuits that I gave her,,,,did I really do the right thing? I know she had a bit of an infection in one of her foot and I know that the vet would not give antibiotics of top of her bad condition so I had to make that decision.
Just thought id let you all know of this sad time.

Face Of Green (Lorna's card)

2010-11-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

This is the card I painted for Lorna... the background was done quite some time ago but I wanted to negative paint the leaves and sections of the tree in the card. This was quite a challenge which is why this took me all day to do. Somewhere I wanted to paint the face as if the all the brambles and trees came from the green woman instead of the green man. Ive cropped a section of the card so that you can understand what I mean. I thought the card was perfect for Lorna as her last blog has been about the woods and the trees. Hope you all enjoy this card too.... thankyou so much for coming along to the blog to have a peep. I have a load more cards to paint and have fun with now.

Attic Memories

2010-11-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

This morning I went to my crafts class which I always love going to as the other ladies are such fun and always so cheerful despite what the weather, each and everyone of us have gone through... good and bad throughout the past week.
I have almost got my inner armholes done on the sun waistcoat,my teacher Anne has been fantastic having so much patience guiding me through what to do as I admit I'm no dress maker angel as it has always been my weak point. Anne and the class were great with me as I have still not found my hearing aid grrrr. I lost my right hearing aid a few days ago when I went to bed with Scruff. Scruff tells me that she has not had my hearing aid howling and making such noise in her dog language, I believe her.
I have loads and loads of books and magazines at the side of my bed so I think the hearing aid will be buried under there somewhere despite being mucked out four times.
So after the crafts class, Jim took me to our cheaply European supermarket called Lidls. Amazingly we got a phone call on the mobile from a magazine company wanting to know about story possibilities where perhaps you will be paid for your story. I was trying to think back... what it was all about then realised that days ago I entered loads and loads of prize draws, competitions etc on Loquax.com and also replied to a prize draw where someone mentioned story possibilities and all I could think about was just jotting down.... deaf rock singer thinking no more of it.
The company wanted some photos of me in the past and some of us now...our band and Jim. When we got home.... I went up into the attic to look for some photos.
I was amazed and pleased to find this photo of my first ever quilt I made 16 years ago. I had a sewing book and no one to show me how you really do a log cabin quilt so just had ago as best as I could. The quilt throw is just rags and in tatters now but Ive come a long way since first attempting quilting all that time ago.
I get down the stairs from the attic trip and there on the dining room floor are hundreds and hundreds of strips of torn yellow paper. Scruff got very cross with me going up to the attic so decided to attack the yellow pages, good job we don't use them.
"So there,,,," says Scratch," don't go off and leave me again or leave me out of the metal cage when you go away... ".
Lorna has got her card and her pincushion so do go and have a look... press on the link of my other great sewing pals. I forgot to take a picture of the pin cushion but I will try and remember to put a picture of the card on, which took several hours to paint.

More Messing and Painting

2010-11-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

Today I completed a card and present which someone will get soon. I cant say much about it as its a nice surprise for someone. Afterwards I wanted to have a go at doing my first ever ACEO card, so here is this experimental tiny card done in watercolour. I found this a struggle, I need to hunt round for some really tiny watercolour brushes. When I had a look on eBay there really were some stunning bits of artwork done in the ACEO section. Who knows I might do some more or even put this up for sale if good enough, I have seen other artworks from artistic souls not as serious looking as mine but selling.
The fireworks have been frightening the poor life out of Jazz our Akita bitch almost one year old. The other dogs have been fine, never battered an eyelid or paw at all what was going on outside.
I hope all of you are having fun and not getting too smoked out with all the fireworks and cordite in the air. Let me know what you think

Paint we go!!

2010-10-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

I'm now hand quilting all them zillions of green hexagons towards my green magical coat. This can be very tiresome so what I'm doing to stop getting over bored with all the hand quilting, is Hand quilt for a few hours, then paint for a few hours.
Ive not done any painting for a very long time and fancied working with suns and moons again. You have to build up the layers bit by bit by painting a layer of water first so that the paint adheres to the paper gently reminding me of airbrush work.
This has taken about four full days in the daylight and the sun to get this far with the sun. Its amazing how you can forget and not remember the knack of the painting technique that you used to do before. Scruff now goes in her cage to sleep at night after chewing through quite a lot of things including an expensive Klimt poster!!
I hated putting Scruff in the cage but shes gradually getting used to the idea now.
The weather is very cold and my legs are being naughty with the MS where they feel stiff and like blocks of ice all the time. Working with an office lamp with a day light bulb and a little fan heater seems to help a lot. When Ive painted a layer of paints on the sun I use the hairdryer to dry off the paint, this is great too when its really cold.
What have you been working on this weekend? anything interesting?

Happy and Cheeky

2010-10-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

At last I can breathe again and relax after my very first gig is over. For weeks there had been band rehearsals, band meetings, having to put my sewing to the side for a while. The gig was held at some friends private party for a Wedding Anniversary,the drummer Paul and his wife Mel and for Steve's wife who had her 50th birthday party. We all dressed up, wore makeup, spent hours and hours carting equipment around with sound checks,and guess what there were absolute loads of mega technical problems, well it was my very first gig and things can only get better and improve from there hee hee. Jim had to take over a lot of the singing as I had very painful temporamandibular jaw problems which needed lots of painkillers and no singing!!.
So now I can catch up with all my blog freinds.
Scruff was not amused that she couldn't come to the gig and party so chewed up half a dog bed with sponge all over the place. My birthday dog is happy and cheeky and just look at the changes in her now.

Meet Scruff

2010-09-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

Meet Scruff my new dog. Scruff is a lurcher, whippetxdeerhound, shes just between seven and nine months old. She did come with a very posh name of Larsa but she didn't answer to this name. We called out "Scruff" to her and wow she responded to that name. Scruff came yesterday morning so shes still settling down and getting used to all surroundings, her new home and new sisters with Jazz, Scratch and Alice.
She's bought me a chewed up half a toilet roll this teatime to say thank you for her little dinners and yummy chewbone. One day they will all have snug warm patchwork dog coats, I was thinking about it yesterday when I noticed how cold the weather is now getting. Ive almost finished the applique practise piece with the tree. I know what to do for next time when I want to use my own personal colours for the background.

Slow Process

2010-09-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Hi all , hope all is still having quilting fun. Here you can see theres slow progress on one part of the applique tree but I'm really enjoying how this is turning out... its all slow progress on hand applique but wow I love it. That special applique paper is great, you can leave it in and it will go soft over time. The new Clover needles are great too, lovely and sharp, will really glide through without a hitch.
I hope all will be able to get on with some quilting fun this weekend.x

Threads of Brown

2010-09-05T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have almost finished sewing the tree mainly stitching down the applique stump.
I'm really enjoying stitching old fashioned style. My mind is beginning to wander on other ideas, other possibilities. Ive been scanning the net about Baltimore Quilting.
Now that I have this fantastic applique paper that you can leave in without having to cut into the back of the cotton, I'm a happy bunny.
The last few days have been strange all thanks to my MS where I have been sleepy or highly strung up because Ive been frustrated at not being able to do a task.
Frustrated because I wanted to stand and do things but had to make do with being seated. Stitching the applique tree has been nice for this, just stitching and relaxing having fun with that needle and thread.
Here are some more pictures from the Festival Of Quilts. It's just so nice to look back on them for different ideas. I can never take everything in on one day so I'm thankful that Jim took lots of photos for me.
I have some chicken breast cooking in the oven for Alice, as this is Alice's favourite treat, she has a chicken breast every tea time.
What I love about charity shops, sometimes you can find suitable bits of cotton material to use in your patchwork and quilting. Last week I found an old tablecloth with different greens, yellows and blues, just perfect for that simplistic primitive look with applique leaves. I'm hoping to cut into this and to draw round some of the leaves using my mini light box that I bought from an art shop last week.
Hope all is having fun.

Happy sewing.... Nutbudx

Stitching.....stitchings...

2010-09-04T03:35:00.000-07:00

Ive not posted for the last few days as Ive been busy with my hounds Scratch and Alice not forgetting Jazz the six month Akita bitch who is unbelievably in season!!
When Jazz is fully grown she will be speyed. I'm thankful for good high garden fencing, baby gates, lino tiles on the floor and my stitching to keep me sane.
All the dogs had to go to the vets Thursday for their booster injections and a check up. The vet looked at Alice and said considering the huge size of her tumour in her tummy, shes not got long left. I'm being thankful for the happy times we have had together and our moments together too now.... every moment just cherishing and loving all the dogs. I took this picture of my Scratch and Alice sleeping together on the sofa, its a nice photo,,, perhaps in the future I will draw this, who knows and play around with pencils on a cold winters day.
The postman came this morning bringing me some much wanted wash away applique paper, applique pins and the new Clover needles which alot of magazines and companies have been talking about so I had to get some.
I was naughty Friday..... feeling down, I took myself therapy shopping to the Fabric Guild to get some much needed different blues for the background of celestial sun.
Ive included a picture of the kit completed, please note this came from an exhibition a few years ago, I didn't do this, but it will give you a rough idea of what the quilt will look like. I'm going to change two blocks to include Scratch one corner and Alice in the other corner. I will have to draw out different ideas but I will let you know how it all comes together, good or not good. The experimental tree is still being stitched with the freezer paper. There has been a lot of swearing and cursing with this but.....its good exercise for me and a huge learning curve and challenge.
I hope all is having fun and not too much cold or rain where you are.
Nutbudx

Heath's Country Store

2010-09-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

The sun was glorious and the sunray warmed my heart.
"lets go to a patchwork shop" I said to Jim. I was imagining Jim pulling faces but he knew he would get no peace if he didnt take me.
I reached for my patchwork and quilting magazine and noticed an advert saying
Heath's Country store in Nottingham.
I asked how far is would the shop be?
"Oh not too far..... " said Jim.
Well we got in that car not forgetting sat nav and we just drove and drove..... the journey was long... 56 miles but it was worth visiting this shop and seeing the wow paintings of my favourites folk art and flipping eck.... such awesome gorgeous paintings of indians and chiefs. I was sad that the artist Heath was not there as he was away on holiday.

http://www.deespatchworkbarn.co.uk/

oh I dont know how you make the link thing work but its playing up so ive typed in the
web address so that you get the idea.
I will try and post some pictures of my fabrics to match that tree applique im working on.
Have Fun all.

Good old fashioned Applique

2010-08-30T01:19:00.000-07:00

Almost all day Sunday I had a go at drawing out the tree for the Celestrial Dreams Quilt. I panicked at first as Ive never really done old fashioned applique where you use freezer paper. I found it all fiddly and all over the place but by half day I started to get in a steady rhythm of actually enjoying it. Its all practise practise for me. I'm trying one tree old fashioned applique way and one tree just with bondaweb where you blanket stitch round the edge. Ive got some nice brown threads for that. So the fun today is to actually draw the tree design on some fabric.
Ive ordered some applique pins and wash away applique paper from cottonpatch.
Yesterday I was thankful for my lightbox as the weather got dull and gosh it rained a bit, so the lightbox gave us sunshine. When I had just turned 21 and was in hospital from a road accident a father and daughter who at the time owned a sign making firm made me the bulky plastic box as the lightbox. It has been with me for years and is a godsend for times when I wanted to trace designs and ideas.
You can buy lightboxes now really small and cheaply.
Here are some more yummy pictures from the festival of quilts. I was very saddened to hear that someone stole a quilt from there. Someone made a lovely Halloween quilt and somehow goodness know how...... managed to steal it. Now who could do a thing like that? I do hope eventually some one recognises the quilt and send it to its rightful owner.

More Pictures from the FOQ

2010-08-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

Ive been able to do as much sewing today as I would of liked but thankfully Im able to post some more photos from the Festival of Quilts to drool over, look and give you some ideas. I love the one with the houses in the middle and the simple blocks of squares round the outside, maybe one day someone could perhaps paint houses on fabric like this one day?

Quilting, Patchwork from Scraps.

2010-08-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

Since Ive got back from the fabulous Festival Of Quilts Show, Ive been inspired to get on with one of my projects just screaming out to be worked on. As I'm needing to sit down comfortably to sew, old fashioned paper piecing is just perfect. Ive been going though my scrap bags for reds and oranges to work on one of the square borders on one inch squares. Ive included a photo copy of the Celestrial Dreams project so that you can see roughly what I'm doing. Ive got a long way to go. The bottom square border will be reds and oranges and in my typical style the blocks will be gradual into rainbow colours right up to the top. This is for my own personal lap quilt own bed quilt for when it gets cold and all mine!!
Yesterday I found a fat quarter of lovely fairy frost design in copper. I thought perhaps one of the patchwork shops in another town might have this so Jim drove me there. The shop owners said that they did not have this and that it would never be in stock because the fabric was old fashioned. What a load of silly cobwebs!!
When I looked online at some of this fabric there are some patchwork shops that still sell this (thank goodness). So when I get paid again next week I will definitely be buying some of this for applique trees.
Ive just included one picture from the Festival of Quilts of the gorgeous Grandmothers Flower Garden of hexagons. Keep looking on my blog as I still have lots of yummy pictures to post.

Festival Of Quilts takeshow 2

2010-08-22T11:58:00.000-07:00

Here is the next lot of photos. Today I only managed to finish off a rough looking needlecase to hold some of my many needles at the top of cotton bobbins. Well stray needles there are no more and hopefully non will find their way to Jim's feet.
I dont know why but Jim's feet always see to be attract pins and needles as if a huge human magnet.
I found some loose crystal quartz stone chips which had broken off an old bracelet so had fun and stitched these onto the needlecase. I will try and take a photo tommorrow, it's no masterpiece but its good enough for my needles.

The photos are all beautiful quilts again, you just cant beat traditional quilts and I always love the hexagons and wholecloth quilts.

Festival Of Quilt pictures take 1

2010-08-21T01:42:00.000-07:00

So now some yummy pictures, i didnt buy the brochure as I wanted to spend the money on some threads, I wish I had of bought the brochure now so that I know whos who and who did which quilt, never mind, this teaches me the lesson for next year.
A lot are absolutely beautiful and leave me in awe, making me want to learn that method and have a go in the world of quilting.
I love them all and I imagine the judges had a hard time deciding which ones to display and who should be the winners. The Hawaain Quilted one is gorgeous too.

I get to say "Helllllooo t0 Kaffe!!!"

2010-08-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Hey, how about this, forget about rock stars, movie stars, porn stars and the post man at your door star. What about Quilt Stars!! and today I got to meet one of them with the name of Kaffe Fassett. For years I had admired Kaffe Fassett's books on his paintings and needlework, not forgetting the knitting and now all the quilts and materials that he does by the company of Rowan and Erhman. Though despite not being too full of money that I would of liked, we did manage to make it to the Festival Of Quilts this year. The main reason was to meet Kaffe Fassett and get a book signed by him and get to see the work of other wonderful quilters. The Festival Of Quilts held at the National Exhibition Centre was huge and mega. I don't think either of us, me or Jim managed to get to see everything as we were both shattered half way but we thoroughly enjoyed going and took loads and loads of photos. So for the next couple of days you are all in for a treat looking at some of the photos of some of our favourite and most inspirational quilts. I got to find out about a company that did tie dyed space threads from London that did reasonable priced threads. There was someone from artafabrik USA who did threads and wow the hanks were eight pound a piece and that was what I could not afford at the moment, never mind, maybe next time.
So if you are in the UK and have not yet been to the Festival Of Quilts, go along and have fun, it is so worth going but you will need lots of pennies and there are lots of yummy stuff to buy and play with. I am definitely going to save up for next year and who knows just might pick up the inspiration to enter a quilt again next year maybe that is.
Hope all is having fun, where ever you are.

Stitches of Radience

2010-08-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been doing over the last couple of days while we have had non stop storms and heavy rain. Ive been using a mixture of alsorts of threads mainly variegated. My favourite are the Steff Francis threads, you just cant beat them but they are expensive and definitely worth the money when you see the quality of the thread and the colours as if you were actually painting onto the surface.
I cant work with a big frame, I have to work with a little hoop and be totally in love with the project for the stitching pieces to work. Ive used paper that you can draw your design on and wash away when done with all the stitching.
I should of ironed this on but the packed didn't say iron onto to material so instead I tacked the paper on. Everything is experimental with me, some things either work of they don't. Fingers crossed I can get some more of this thread when I go to the Festival of Quilts on Thursday. I'm having to concentrate and write down what I really need and what few projects that I'm working on at the moment that I'm needing items for, such as threads, perhaps iron on wadding as Jim has been moaning about a pattern kit for a hexagon handbag that he bought me two years ago and why haven't I had a start on this yet?
I'm starting to develop a style that I love, that contemporary modern stitching feel with running stitches in the background. It makes is more personal and makes it me to blend in with my painting and sketching ideas too.
Its the sewing and creativity that keeps me going when everything and everyone is skint, when the world seems to be falling apart with its floods and loony politicians.
With stitching, you can dream and create the magic.

Let It Be

2010-08-05T04:47:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to be a good lass, stay in and get lots of stitching done but I keep getting distracted.
After all I'm an artist and artists tend to dream on thinking about future projects, magical
colours of fabrics and planning something else, somewhere in that back of the mind, a fat quarter somehow, or just where to find that right fat quarter to fit in that magical quilt so much distracting you from what you are doing.
Life would be so boring wouldn’t it if we didn’t think magical quilts, magical colours of fabrics and threads. Here you can see I'm stitching with white metallic thread which gives a really interesting texture as this is rough and coarse, I love it. Be it the white snow inside a snow dome or dazzling rays
between the stars and the sun. What ever way you would interpret this seed stitching is fun all dense, or spaced out.
Scratch as always is helping me out and giving me her opinion, giving me the eyeball for interrupting her beauty sleep and why no tit bits? Where you can see the blue in the background I'm just stitching white areas there to make it interesting.
Two days ago I thought I would have a go at dye-ing threads with microwave dyes. They were fun to do but they didn’t go to the colours I absolutely wanted and I was worried that perhaps they just might bleed so was happy with very subtle dyed cottons. These threads can still be used to quilt long sun rays on the waistcoat with natural yellows and golds. This is another reason why when you go shopping to those magical needlework shops, collecting space dyed threads and fabrics are a must as you just never know when you might need some. I seriously need to stock up on space dyed threads when I attend the Festival Of Quilts on the 19th of this month. My mind keeps wandering like a child looking at a huge chocolate fairy cake but looking at this Stitch mag instead at that yummy space dyed pin cushion. Well lets face it threads don’t pile on the calories but they burn a hole in your purse as my Jim would nod in agreement to that but….. shshsh I'm dreaming of my little stash of threads!! And those yummy fat quarters of batiks. Let the mind have fun fun fun and let it be with all your magical ideas and dream quilts.

Progress

2010-07-30T01:21:00.000-07:00

Hi All, i know I have not posted for a while but here is the reason why... Ive been working hard on Jim's waistcoat. It will soon be Jim's birthday so Ive been the goody girl just stitching and stitching. Jim said he didn't want wadding as this would make him so hot so I used In sew interfacing which is great, gives it more stability while I work on the stitching lines. Ive been working on running quilting stitches in embroidery thread. I rather like this style that I'm developing, I'm getting hooked on it to tell you the truth. My knees and toes are sore, so this is great to just sit down and hand quilt loosely without the quilting frame. Look how Scratch is helping me out giving the fabric some love.
Jim said he wanted an OM sign on the back of the waistcoat, so I went to the stationary shop yesterday to get the little design enlarged.
Jim said he can take me to the Festival of Quilts on the Thursday... Yippee, thats on the 19th of August, I'm so excited.
I'm hoping to buy some threads and some more fat quarters to go with the KimMclean pattern which Jim bought for me last Christmas.
I'm enjoying working on waistcoat fronts, they are not as heavy and bulky as big bed quilts.
I hope you are all having quilting fun and much quilting inspiration.

Weekend Cleanup

2010-07-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we all went to bed pretty late as we ended up watching quite a few dvds on the series of DEADWOOD. While Calamity Jane and Wild Bill entertained us on screen, I carried on stitching stars on the other side of Jim's waistcoat. Ive still got a very long way to go but its coming together nicely. As the stitching is long and tedious its just nice to take a break once in a while and get on with other things badly needed doing like cleaning up and sorting out!. Huh those words cleaning up and sorting out are like a curse to me, I just hate doing those jobs but they have to be done. the hall way was getting way too cluttered for my liking so almost all Sunday I spent the day throwing bags around of rubbish, sorting things into their correct piles and smiling at stashes of fabric which I had totally forgotten about. Its amazing what lays hidden in bags, in dark corners when you really look. I found some old clothes which I bought from car boot sales months ago to go towards being cut up to go in log cabins. I found brand new fabric too (((SMILES))) which I knew I bought months ago from the fabric warehouse but just could not find, mainly purples and peacock feathers.
Some of the old clothes got a good washing in the washing machine and fabric not suitable for patchwork went back out in another bag destined for the charity shop.
Jim got a shock, I made Jim a carrot cake and guess what I didn't burn it and neither did I need a chainsaw to cut the cake open. This all went down a treat amongst Jim and our three dogs. I thought Jim could do with cheering up as the car windscreen broke a few days ago and made an ouchy dent on the credit card with the repair costs.
I'm wanting to get back to basic relaxing patchwork, simple to do, which is why I love log-cabins. Who knows what Monday will bring?
The cat face is taken from one of my paintings I thought I would use this as I had no photos to show.
Hope everyone had a nice weekend.
Happy Quilting...
Faithx

Posh Lutradur Giveaway

2010-07-17T00:30:00.000-07:00

http://www.ctpubblog.com/2010/07/13/summer-surface-design-giveaway/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ctpubblog%2Ffeed+%28C%26T+Blog%29&utm_content=Bloglines

I cant remember how you do links on here so forgive me if this link does not work.
Do have a go and enter you just never know what may pop through the door.
meanwhile I'm embroidering the gold round the sun, so far looking good.
The background is looking a bit patchy which concerns me so when all the stars sun and moon is done I fancy doing seed stitching scattered all through the background which will also attach the in sew behind. Hope all are having a creative weekend without the weather getting too wet.
Faithx

2010-07-15T09:23:00.005-07:00

Finally I managed to get back to Jims waistcoat idea. I dug out my Chroma pencil crayons and worked some more on the sky, then fixed this with some special medium.
Now I’ve to applique the stars and start embroidering round the sun and moon, satin stitch the stars. The hexagon coat has now all the paper pieces out and been neatened and checked over every hexagon. Whew... this took days to do but it will be worth it. I’m not doing anything else ‘til I take the hexagon back to the crafts class with me to get some help in layering the top of the hexagon, wadding and the bottom.
I needed some cotton muslin for the backing of this which is about four to five metres. I also needed some sew in facing for the waistcoat idea as Jim said he didn’t want wadding as he didn’t want to be too hot. So I made Jim drive me to Melton Mowbray to get these items as we have a Boyes store there where material is a lot cheaper than Leicester town. It’s such a pity they don't do a lot of quilting material only very basic primary colours, never mind I have plenty to keep me going for now.
When we went back to the car we noticed the car windscreen had a crack in it so that will have to be repaired over the next couple of days (not cheap!)The last few days have been a lot cooler as we have had rain, small showers and last night thunder and lightning. Poor Scratch tried to hide under the table as she hates thunder and lightning. Amazing Jazz our six month old Akita puppy didn’t batter an eyelid and carried on as normal but she does not like Lorries or big skip Lorries as we call them.
Jazz will jump over the baby gate quite high just to get to you when she’s scared.
So... the doors have to be mega checked that they are shut and not left open and soon the baby gates will have to be swapped over as we have another one that is much higher so fingers crossed she won’t jump over that one.
I’m looking forward to working on the embroidery of the waistcoat again as this is relaxing and I can actually put my legs up as with that darn MS they are aching and hurting again so it’s a warning sign to listen and rest up lol, but not without a needle in my hand.
Hope all of you are not too hot and able to get on with the sewing on what you want to do.
Finally I managed to get back to Jims waistcoat idea. I dug out my Chroma pencil crayons and worked some more on the sky, then fixed this with some special medium.
Now I’ve to applique the stars and start embroidering round the sun and moon, satin stitch the stars. The hexagon coat has now all the paper pieces out and been neatened and checked over every hexagon. "Whew... this took days to do but it will be worth it. I’m not doing anything else 'til I take the hexagon back to the crafts class with me to get some help in layering the top of the hexagon, wadding and the bottom.
I needed some cotton muslin for the backing of this which is about four to five metres. I also needed some sew in facing for the waistcoat idea as Jim said he didn’t want wadding as he didn’t want to be too hot. So I made Jim drive me to Melton Mowbray to get these items as we have a Boyes store there where material is a lot cheaper than Leicester town. It’s such a pity they don't do a lot of quilting material only very basic primary colours, never mind I have plenty to keep me going for now.
When we went back to the car we noticed the car windscreen had a crack in it so that will have to be repaired over the next couple of days (not cheap!)The last few days have been a lot cooler as we have had rain, small showers and last night thunder and lightning. Poor Scratch tried to hide under the table as she hates thunder and lightning. Amazing Jazz our six month old Akita puppy didn’t batter an eyelid and carried on as normal but she does not like lorry’s or big skips, lorries as we call them.
Jazz will jump over the baby gate quite high just to get to you when she’s scared.
So... the doors have to be mega checked that they are shut and not left open and soon the baby gates will have to be swapped over as we have another one that is much higher so fingers crossed she won’t jump over that one.
I’m looking forward to working on the embroidery of the waistcoat again as this is relaxing and I can actually put my legs up as with that darn MS they are aching and hurting again so it’s a warning sign to listen and rest up lol, but not without a needle in my hand.
Hope all of you are not too hot and able to get on with the sewing on what you want to do.
Faith x

2010-07-10T04:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was nice I finally got the orange and white quilt finished by hand sewing the hem all round the edge of the quilt and finishing off a bit more hand quilting that needed doing. This needed a wash so I put the quilt in the washing machine and it came up great.
This orange quilt had been through the wars with me from two big relapses, the losses of our old dogs Tam and Sam and Jim's mum.
In other words it was a quilt that had seen all the emotions and tears, plus happy times.

Though Jim had a bad back he managed to drive me upto the PDSA to hand this over.
They were rather stunned and surprised. Most of the staff had never seen a hand made, hand stitched quilt before.
The quilt will either be raffled or sold at a good price at one of their charity shops.
Im happy with what I have done though I did sometimes worry perhaps the stitching is not perfect and some dye from the orange backing cloth did bleed through but this gave it character and Jim kept saying to me dont worry about it. So I tried not to.
Unfortunately I didnt get a snapshot as the surgery was very busy and the ladies were still very busy manhandling the phones and the computers. It was just nice to say there.... Ive done it.
My next challenge is back onto my hexagon coat. I'm now taking out the paper backing paper and trimming round the edge to make it neater and not so bulky for when I hand quilt the layers. Theres a lot of work to be done but it will be so worth it. I have wanted a green patchwork coat for years, to make myself.
I will try and show you some pictures to show you what I mean.
Next month is the quilt show and I so want to go. The only way I can go is to sell alot of my crafts and rummage round my wardrobe and Jewellery box to raise the cash.
Thank you Jenny for pointing me towards the site FOLKSY which I will have a look at to where I could possibly sell my crafts.
Ive sorted the paragraphs out now they were all over the place.. i wont use notepad again on the computer. Hope you are all having fun and not getting to hot in the blazing sunshine.

Orange Peel Quilt Block

2010-07-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

I read that Paducah is running another quilt competition along the theme of Orange Peel I had been looking ages for a pattern just to look and visualise what I could possibly do. Thank goodness I found the pattern. It took lots of requests moaning at Jim to get the printer sorted and wallah!! it got done. I found an article in the Quilt Art magazine about Paducahs competition. There are some extremely talented people out there who have all the equipment too to machine quilt. Me, it would just be simple hand stitch, embroidery and fabric paint. I may experiment piecing some pieces on machine just to see how it turns out. I have even read that template B could be sewn just as a leaf shape and turned inside out, all ideas and minds just race on what the possibilities could be. Well next Im going to print out the application form just to look at the rules ect.
Have fun all.
Tommorrow is the last day of the crafts group for seven weeks.... oh Im going to have withdrawel symptons and miss the group but I have plenty to keep me busy and keep intouch with all you blogging freinds.

The Final Touch

2010-07-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

Today has been an interesting day as myself and Jean the other craft group member handed over the finished Chausible to the new priestess Bonnie. It was so nice to see something that everyone worked so hard on be viewed and admired by the rest of congregation. Anne the group leader worked on the ivy leaves that looked fabulous.
The ivy leaves were sewn on the sewing machine using water soluble fabric. The leaves and the stem look great dont they along with the embroidered flowers. Ive enclosed some photos.

The Booms and the Bangs

2010-07-03T16:23:00.000-07:00

I thought the title would be appropriate with all what has been happening in this house at least once a week. We now have band rehearsals here with all the members.
Paul on the bongo drums and Steve next to Paul as you can see on the picture.
Next we have Glynne whos fabulous on the guitar!! he really looks the part doesn't he as if one of the Rolling Stones. So we have drums, guitars, a bit of keyboard playing, singing and amongst voices and all that noise Jazz our Akita puppy biting hard on her squeaky toy to join in with the noise tantrum.
We now have a new band name calling ourselves THE RAG AND BONE BAND!
Its a laugh and the main thing fun.
I did win some tickets to go and see Ozzy in London but unfortunately we couldn't make it as we were all so busy Friday and I have a busy morning Sunday as I will be helping to hand over the chasuble which all the ladies of the Wednesday crafts group helped to put together. I would look quite a sight with bloodshot eyes, smudged mascara and eye liner from the night before and perhaps going to sleep so the gig had a miss. I had already made plans and a promise to be at the crafts group get together the Sunday morning. I'm hoping to take my camera so that I can take some photos to show you all.
My mum phoned to tell me that she was really pleased with her quilted glasses case and scissor case which is great to hear. I did get another special fabric out liner pen to mark out the batik cloth idea but just didn't get the opportunity to sit down and draw more leaves. Maybe next time tom morrow perhaps (fingers-crossed).
I hope you are all having fun and not too tired.

Surprised Embroidery

2010-07-03T04:04:00.000-07:00

Finally my mums birthday is here and at last shes able to open her birthday prezzies.
I couldn't show these photos on here earlier just in case she is able to peep onto my blog. So here are the photos of a scissor case and glasses case that I made embroidering with Steff Francis silk and odd bits of dmc. These items were also hand quilted with stipple quilting. I'm pleased how these have turned out even though they took me days and days to produce them. I became (anti sew) for a few days after just having to take a break from everything. Craftwork hasn't stopped completely though. I'm experimenting on some batik of leaves on some plain fabric already dyed yellows, who knows how this will turn out.

Very Tired but Happy.

2010-06-30T15:05:00.000-07:00

Ive not got any pictures to show you til after the 3rd of July as that will be the day my mum will open her presents which I have been working on so hard for the last couple of days. All I can say is that Ive been doing absolutely loads of stitching using silk threads, stipple quilting, and reading up a lot of stitching methods on how to do bumble bees. You will see why after the third.
The craft group has now moved to another church which is alot bigger, brighter, more of a community centre too which is good. I loved the large tables and the fact you could see so much better when sewing. I do miss the old St peters church next to Belgrave hall but good news is Ive put in a word about saving that gorgeous grand piano and it might just find its way to the new big church, fingers crossed.
Ive yet to draw up and paint a card and for the next 6 days work on the batik cloth that will be a rough version of the hexagon coat style. My teacher Anne wants me to ensure that the coat will fit properly and that its the style that I want before cutting through that lovely hexagon fabric of all greens.
I do have a rough idea on what I want to do on the rough coat idea... Id like it to be pinks, purples, with a bit of mottled grey with embroidered butterflies here and there. It sounds a bit ambitious doesn't it, but I know once Ive got something in my head there is no letting go. The image and ideas just get stronger and stronger til
da da the creativity happens.
I will keep you all informed on what is happening. Hope you are all having fun and not too tired.

Snowdrop In June

2010-06-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

i thought I would post my latest bit of sewing. this tiny little Snowdrop was stitched using satin stitch and a bit of chain stitching to go towards this gorgeous chasuble that my craft group is making. Each lady had a couple of these to sew making them like coins to be sewn on the gown. All the flowers are white of different species and my goodness they are so beautiful it takes your breath away. There will be a lot of help needed to do a bit more sewing on this garment but next time I get to sew on this piece i will try and take some more photos. The outline of the snowdrop was sewn on water soluble paper designed to wash away at the very end after all the stitching is done and I got a little bit frustrated with the white bits showing all round the edge though the sewing has been soaked in water five times. I'm hoping this wont be noticeable and that the teacher can help how to solve this. It might not be so noticeable in the end.
I'm hoping to get some drawings and sketches done today for a friend, theres a couple of books I need to look at about angel's wings and dragons, just to play around and have fun. meanwhile my legs are tired and achy so it will mean I wont be running around as much.
I hope everyone has a good creative day today.
Happy Stitching.

Two Sides

2010-06-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Another Sketch (Two-Sides)

2010-06-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Ive completed another sketch in my watercolour book this time called Two Sides.
Over the last couple of weeks and months even has been an absolute roller coaster event with emotions. So the best way for me is just to doodle and sketch.
Theres always two sides to a story and very much in life there is always someone or somebody being close to you being two faced or even someone, somewhere round the world with this fitting title. I dont know what will become of this painting, i dont have time to quilt this idea but who knows may goes towards something in the future.
Let me know what you think?.

New Dazzly cats

2010-06-19T02:54:00.000-07:00

Finally I got my paintbrushes out using bright watercolours and took a trip
to the art shop to get some gold leafing. I enjoy using gold leafing on my
watercolours and ideas as it makes it different. I had to scan the picture in two halves as the watercolour is a long piece of landscape watercolour card.
I will put this for sale on Etsy unmounted, unframed, to make postage easier.
I need to wait for my handyman partner to work out how to set up an Etsy account.
Does anyone know what A C E O mean when you see original artwork for sale?
I will have to look it up on the net.
As usual I have my bad days and good days with my MS. The weather seems to be colder at the moment which calls for me to sew a bit more on my quilts.
I hope everyone is having quilting fun. Looking forward to seeing all your work that youre currently working on.
Faithx

Butterfly Thoughts

2010-05-15T09:16:00.000-07:00

I found this butterfly in the box which I did ages ago, using applique technique and fabric paints along with glitter. I have not written much over the last couple of days or weeks even as Ive been so busy looking after Alice, she is still with us and only just starting to but a little bit of weight on. unfortunately Jim's mum passed away Wednesday morning at 6am in hospital. A week before, Jim's mum had a suspected heart attack but problems started to get worse in the brain as days went by. As you can imagine everyone is shocked and really sad by all what has happened. I didn't know Jim's mum very well but she was an animal lover and did what she could to try and please everybody. Jim's mum was a big fan on butterflies and I thought it would be nice to put this image on the blog.
Yesterday was an expensive day, I managed to drag Jim to the fabric guild and wait in the car outside while I splashed out on a large new cutting mat, rotary cutter and new blades, along with two books, a book on painting murals, and the other about quilting and paper which i thought was interesting. So at the moment I'm just sorting out the dining room ( my makeshift studio ) so that Jim can cut me some strips of material.

The Godly Cloth

2010-04-26T08:06:00.000-07:00

Do I ever learn to say no? the problem is I can't. When I was asked several weeks ago if I would like to help towards a Priestess gown I just could not refuse as I thought it would be good to have a go at a community project and to work with other needle workers and crafters too. Working on your own you tend to get carried away and lack the pressure just that little bit. I agreed to help in embroidering the design to go round the neck area. Thankfully when all this is completed the embroidery will be appliqued onto the red gown. I just pray and hope that this will be acceptable. The white satin stitch in the middle is sewn with a rayon floss really shiny giving it a lovely shine as the light catches it. It goes well onto of the silver with the red outlined in chain stitch. I'm still going through a difficult time with my Alice being so poorly, its a real big help doing the stitching while Alice sleeps beside me. Tonight she will be going to the vets so who knows what will happen. So please include us in your prayers and tell us what you think to the Celtic Embroidery.
Faithx

My Alice

2010-04-24T03:37:00.001-07:00

Alice is still poorly, the tests came back from the vets showing that she didn't have any cancer cells which is good but she is anaemic and have some sort of infection in her liver or kidneys. All we can do is give her lots of love and that shes home with plenty of care, she will let us know when she has had enough.
Meanwhile Ive got to work on the Celtic neck design for the Priestess collar I got a shock that they wanted it so soon so while My Jim is helping to look after Alice I will be stitching this piece. I'm showing you a picture of one half of Jim's waistcoat now waiting to be quilted.
Hope all is having a lovely weekend.

faithx

More Stitchings

2010-04-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

I know I have not been on here for a very long time, I went through one of those
phrases just like having a writers block, but a block about everything so found it difficult knowing what to write over the last few weeks as I just had to rest and do just little and often bits of sewing when I could due to my MS.
This meant no heavy quilts being hand quilted and no sitting long hours over the table, just sit and stitch on the settee a comfortable place indeed while the MS springs its pains and strains onto my legs hands, eyes etc. One thing I am grateful for I don't have Progressive MS, but what ever I have is annoying enough.
Ive been stitching this green man in needlepoint which I had found in my cupboard the other day and decided to have fun with this again, I felt in the mood for it. I drew this by hand a while ago from a painting I did years ago.
Finally I'm working in embroidery on the Celtic ring to go round the neck on the Priestess gown. Everyone is working away on different sections at the Wednesday crafts group. I'm working in white shiny satin stitch on silver along with chain stitch with a thicker red. i did panic at first but I am getting into the flow of it now.
So between the Celtic neck band and the green man in needlepoint I am keeping busy.
My poor baby Alice is not very well, shes 15 and having a lot of tummy problems, the vet is currently doing some tests so were keeping our fingers crossed that Alice is not in too much pain. Shes just sleeping at the moment and I just cried buckets and buckets at the vets thinking she would have to be put down today but the vet said shes just uncomfortable but not extreme pain otherwise she would not be able to lie down. I m just making the most of time Ive got left with her giving her lots of cuddles and kisses when she does wake up. If only dogs could live as long as us eh.

Busy Bee Indeed

2010-03-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

Ive not written for the last few days as Ive been busy with our new puppy Jazz and sewing row after row of hexagons. I'm working on the strips of hexagons at the moment, about ten, just sewing the lines rather than sewing each individual hexagon piece on the whole lot of hexagon cloth. This is feeling rather heavy now as theres several metres there. When I have done the sewing of all the hexagons I will hang this on the washing line outside and take a photo to show just how big the piece is. Alot of people think I'm mad, I know but its something personal Ive wanted to do for years, to make a hexagon coat for myself.
The teacher suggested I make a rough mock copy of the coat pattern to make sure its the one I want before cutting out the hexagon piece. Now this makes me nervous now, the mock coat will become a coat too, fabric painting on the blank pieces of material.
So theres lots of stitching and still lots of hard work but I absolutely love it.
Why didn't I sew rows after rows separately in the first place?
I guess we all learn from our mistakes, I know I have certainly learnt something here.

At the church crafts group Ive been asked if I could help with sewing on the gown for a new lady vicar. Ive been given the task to embroider the Celtic ring that goes round the neck.. I feel very honoured to do this, so that's why I have been working hard like mad to try and get all the hexagons done. All the dogs have been laying on top of me, on top of my work and loose hexagons scattered all over the place.
Jazz has settled down so well here and adapted very well to the other dogs, shes lovely and shes growing fast. Jazz loves going out and bringing in the plant pots, pinching Jim's socks and carrying anything around.
"Look what Ive got!" she proudly carries her soft toys as if a lion carrying her cubs.
Yesterday we let Jazz off the lead for the first time on the field nearby along with Scratch and Alice. Jazz was absolutely great, she did not run off and kept with the girls, came to us when we called her name. She was great, so good to have another helper while I'm sewing away.
I have posted a picture of Jazz next to Scratch, as you can see shes growing.
I hope you are all having fun and not getting too rained off, here the weather is just throwing buckets down of rain.

Seeing Stars

2010-03-18T07:40:00.001-07:00

Did you have a good St Patrick's day yesterday? we did but we were really busy.
I did alot of stitching on Jim's waistcoat mainly stitching the stars in long and short satin stitch. I'm really pleased how this is working out. Ive still got a lot to do. This waistcoat is for Jim to wear when performing with our band.
I'm excited about everything as Jim has ordered some home recording gear to that we can continue to write songs and record them. We've not done any more recordings since two years ago with so much going on. Our drummer Paul is looking for some drums to buy so everything is on the up indeed.
I hope everyone will have fun with what ever you are doing.
Faithx

More Pencil Colouring and Stitching

2010-03-10T18:51:00.001-08:00

Today the weather has been really cold which feels like the big freeze is trying to lurk upon us again. I managed to colour in some more on Jim's waistcoat idea and gave this a wash over with water mixed with textile medium. I started stitching chain stitch round the edge of the sun in gold which is working out rather well where the black lines aren't so obvious not that it is partly covered with gold thread.
The group meeting was interesting, the teacher Anne started to draw out the circle for the neckline on the robe to the be done in Celtic Knotwork. I know I'm roped in for this part it will be interesting to see what method is required. So while Anne drew out the circle, I carried on stitching the gold chain stitch on my own project.
The back of the old church building was extremely cold, I was just glad to have a cup a soup. I don't like the smell nor taste of tea of coffee so the cup a soup came in handy.
The left side of the waistcoat is much strong in contrast to the right side of the waistcoat half, at first I was worried about this but decided it made it different and stand out more. Jim, my great Chauffeur when ever I need driving somewhere took me to get several packets of fine embroidery needles as somewhere in the background of the waistcoat, I'm hoping to embroider stars in long and short satin stitch in dmc floss. I hope everyone is having fun in what ever they are doing and not too cold.
Let me know what you think.
Faithx

Introducing you to Jazz (Jacinda)

2010-03-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

Finally Jim got the computer up and running where I was able to download some pictures. Here is Jazz our new puppy, we've had her for two weeks now and shes doing great and growing really fast. Jazz is an Akita bitch about thirteen weeks old now and such a sweet little thing. Jazz can be a rebel and like to run riots round the older dogs but they love her too.
Today Ive been working more on the suns and moon waistcoat. Ive been working on the left side using Derwent Coloursoft pencils. Ive still got a lot to do before glazing over with textile medium mixed with water, I will let you know how it all goes.
Ive also included a picture of the material for the rest of Jim's waistcoat the pale rainbow colours matches the front great, fingers crossed everything will work out OK.
Tomorrow is the crafts day at St Peter's church right next to Belgrave Hall.
The crafts groups has been asked to make a gown for one of the Anglican lady priests that the group leader knows. We will be all doing a little something on the gown so. Ive just to take my coat pattern to cut out and maybe my lightbox.
I hope you will enjoy the photos and get lots of happy quilting done.
Faithx

To Dear Heirs and Graces

2010-03-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

It was a gorgeous sunny day despite having a bad frost the night before so I begged and pleaded Jim to take me to Heirs
and Graces
patchwork shop in Denby Dale Derbyshire.
I just wanted to have a look and a ride in the car, Jim now has a little Sat Nav so whats the excuse?..... I won... so Jim took me to the place not far from my hometown Sheffield. Over the years I had heard so much about this place, they used to be in Bakewell but for some reason moved to Denby Dale. I got some wadding for Jims waistcoat and some yummy material to go with the waistcoat so I was happy, I found the right material to match the suns and moon idea. It was meant to be having these sudden urges lets go to a patchwork shop. Its amazing when instincts tell you theres that magical material there.
Ive not got any photos to show you sorry, as I forgot to take my camera but as the waistcoat idea is worked on a little more I will show you. You may have seen some images from the past on here as you scan back.
Coming home was a scary experience as an impatient driver almost smashed into us as we were coming off a roundabout, thank heavens the angels were looking after us it was a very close call, we were both shook up a bit.
Well I hope everyone is having so great quilting times and OK. I cant wait to go round all the blogs to catch up on after this computer had to go in to be repaired for just about two weeks.
So keep watching and I will try and take some photos over the next couple of days.

Quilted Valentine

2010-02-14T01:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's day everyone! I hope everyone is having fun!, I managed to make my fella a Valentine's day card using fabric pens on silk, then quilting round the shape.
This took several hours but was fun to do. Jim was very happy with his card. Luckily Jim was also able to run me to the Fabric Guild to get some fabrics for a Sun project that Jim wants me to do. It's still very cold outside, thankfully not snowing or raining.

Paws For Thought

2010-02-07T04:54:00.000-08:00

I know I have not been on here very much, the reason is Ive been stitching and quilting hard almost everyday lol. I felt drawn to work on the orange quilt again after not being able to touch it for absolute months. I think I got a little disheartened that some of the backing got just a little gathered in with the hand quilting and it would really spoil it to mess about unpicking the stitches so Ive decided to leave it as it is. This when finished will live here for when anyone naps on the sofa. Jim managed to pinch this quilt while still being stitched when I wasn't looking for a nap. Some of the colours ran on the front, I don't know how but it just happened that way. The pawprint was cut out as if a stencil, I used this to draw round the shapes for the border. I used multicoloured YLI thread that had turquoises and red going into orange which I thought would be nice round the border. Ive still got the rest of the border to hand quilt then hem round the edge.
Meanwhile I managed to applique Akita dog shapes to that lovely bright sunset that I painted. These are ready to be ironed on to the four corner blocks now, so I have plenty to keep me busy.
I hope everyone is having quilting fun and not too under the weather from lack of sunshine and the cold.

Start of the Akita charity quilt

2010-01-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

So what have I been doing today? I made some quick doodles for a charity quilt idea mainly for Akita dogs as Tam was a lovely Akita breed. I cut out thirty six blocks from some cotton sheeting and made a start on the middle cutting little squares out of some fat quarters on yellow Lillie's. I thought the colours would go well with the corner blocks which I have painted here using fabric paint. You can just about see a rough sketch at the top of the photo with an outline of a dog which I hope to do in dark brown. While the painted fabric is drying,I'm going to take a rest then get the sewing machine out to start on the log cabin blocks, as the blocks are quick and easy and I love log cabins. Outside we've had Jack Frost dancing round the windows and freezing anything it can. I will keep you all updated how this experiment is working out, have fun allxxx.

Almost

2010-01-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

We almost got a new puppy from the Akita dog rescue but both times it fell through.
The first puppy already had someone else on the waiting list that got there first and took the pup home and the second one got sold before the dog rescue had the chance to save it. I look at these things as it was meant to be. A few days later Jim said to me hes going to wait til the summer before getting another dog which is fine with me as we still have Scratch,Alice and the old sheep dog Sam. I almost bought this top too isn't it gorgeous? I didn't buy the top as I felt it was just not big enough but asked Jim to take a photo of it so that I can stitch that design on another top when i get round to making it, I just love the colours so yummy!!
meanwhile I hope everyone is having quilting fun and not too cold this weekend, outside is absolutely freeeezing.

Rest in Peace dear Tam

2010-01-19T16:09:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry i have not written much. The couple of days and weeks had been busy with looking after poorly dogs and non stop visit to the vets. the first dog to be ill was poor Alice she had been sick for a few days and got so dehydrated she had to go to the vets to go on a drip to get her feeling better and eating again. Alice recovered well. The next to fall ill was Tam with the same symptoms of Alice being really sick and dehydrated. So poor Tam had to go to the vets and have the drip.
Tam recovered then her back just got weaker and weaker and she just collapsed not able to walk and go to the toilet. It was really upsetting to see and shocking how fast poor Tam deteriorated. Tam was in so much pain she sadly had to be put to sleep.
The vets said this is a common thing that happens to alot of big dogs where their back legs just collapses and become useless.
All the family and all the rest of the dogs, the pack are in a bit of a daze. Ive only managed to cut some two inch strips ready for some log cabin blocks at a later date. Ive been trying to keep Jim busy doing things including cutting strips for me for something for Jim to do.
There was a trip to the dentist and I have to have a wisdom tooth out next week due to an abscess. I have been given some anti biotics and believe me I'm not looking forward to have a tooth out next week. Infections and abscesses can cause problems with relapses so I have to be careful, any infections to get them sorted. I didn't realise any infections such as bladder infections bad gums, colds and flu's and trigger off relapses too. We have all been trying to keep positive despite these grey days. Hope everyone else is OK and keeping creative.
faithx

And A Happy New Year To You!!!

2009-12-31T12:36:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody, the last couple of days have been busy. yesterday i treated myself some fabric colouring pens and had fun with them starting with this heart and my favourite stitch of seed-stitching, its my own name what I call this particular type of stitching which is random stitching with little stitches a bit like dots. the pens are great they remind me of felt tip pens, the colours are lovely and bright, you can fix them with the iron. I'm not sure what this heart will be used in but I will keep you all informed on my little experiments and adventures with these lovely fabric pens and dmc threads. Happy New Year to all of you, one of my new year resolutions is to actually finish a quilt.....have fun all of you and be safexxx

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

First of all id like to say Merry Christmas to you all i have not forgotten about you.
Thankfully all the shopping is done so now I can sit back, relax and stitch. I'm still sewing my hexagons and the great news its growing. I went to see my mum and dad last week which took about two hours to get there on the motorway. I took my hexagons coat idea to show mum and she was impressed how the hexagons are growing. my dad was in bed with a really bad cold but i think i cheered him up taking along some home made wine and loads of home made biscuits. Ive posted a picture of me and mum gee I miss my mum but hopefully when the weather behaves itself with all the snow and the ice out of the way Ill be able to make another trip up there. I missed not being able to get to one of my friends quilt shop to see Trish as she always has some fabulous materials there.
Alice is alot better after a scare of being really sick for a few days. As Alice had been sick for quite a few days she got dehydrated so had to go to the vets and have a fluid drip for several hours. Thankfully Alice is home now and just non stop sleeping I'm just so happy to have her home, she keeps getting lots of extra kisses and cuddles from me, Alice is fourteen now bless her.
Santa didnt bring me my dream Bernina sewing machine (sigh,,Im so disapointed!!) so Im going to have to work very hard over the next few months doing paintings and quilts to sell.

Colouring in Fabric

2009-12-12T06:31:00.000-08:00

After reading through some of the tips in Faux Applique book by Helen Stubbings sent by wonderful Pam, I decided to have another go with the soft pencil crayons on one side of the sun waistcoat. I stopped midway on this project months ago as I wasn't sure whether I was doing this right. Ive been using the Berol brand of textile medium with a wash on top the the sky bit here. After, I dried this area using the hairdryer, when the other side of the waistcoat is done I will iron both these sides just to fix it. Its amazing what you do in those spur or the moment times when you just feel like working on something you've not thought of for a while. I think when you have several projects on the go and have breaks from things in between, it makes sewing and being creative more interesting.
Meanwhile Jim my partner is sick at the moment in bed with sickness, its not a good idea for me to go out so Ive been keeping myself busy with these pencil crayons. Its always a good idea to stock on as many things as you can, art material, paints, fabric paints etc as these are so handy for when you cant get out or perhaps snowed in.

Knock Knock from Mr Postman!

2009-12-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

This morning I came downstairs,checked my emails and got a message from Pam (Mamma Sparks)that she
had sent me a package bless her!. As I was so busy I got on with my daily chores and had a bath plus loads of other jobs. I heard the dogs barking like crazy downstairs and thought nothing more of it until I came downstairs and got a wonderful surprise.... a box of Magic from Pam.
Thank you so much Pam I love everything that you have sent, the books on Hawaiian Applique and wow a book about using coloured pencils on material called Colourque technique, how great, lots of great ideas and I love the green material and cat brooch.
I will certainly Purrr away wearing this on my coat while I tour round looking for fabrics for my different projects. Ive posted some pictures here.
Meanwhile I'm still very busy working on the hexagons, I still have not found a suitable coat pattern I'm going to have to ask for help and get my Jim to look round the sites for me. The problem is while I'm on medication for MS I'm a size 22 oh well keep looking round, I'm sure one day I will find something.

Three French Hens

2009-12-06T05:46:00.000-08:00

Over the last couple of days Ive been working on my hexagons still. Everywhere you go to the the shops is just so busy busy with Christmas shoppers, too much hassle for me.

Id rather stop at home with my dogs Scratch and Alice, be creative.
This morning the sun was out which inspired me paint a quick sketch in my sketchbook named "Three French Hens"
Who knows this may find itself in a quilt or some form of textile art, or stay in place in my sketchbook til a later date.
The Elna sewing machine arrived last week which is a great
machine but Ive got to learn to use it and spend several hours reading the instruction manual. I will do this when I have the house completely to myself with no interruptions from anyone and the phone off the hook. I'm one of those that have to take time reading instructions bit by bit to understand them!.
I hope everyone is able to have fun with their sewing and quilting this weekend.

Beads Galore

2009-11-26T01:14:00.001-08:00

Its still hexagon mania in my side of the world and Im desperate for yet more green batik as I need to sew another four to five metres on my hexagon material spread for the coat idea. I will be looking at loads of sites later on for yet more green including ebay. I went along to the crafts group yesterday and it was wonderful to have a chat and get some support and encouragement in what Im doing. Anne the group leader mentioned to me about a place that is doing a bead sale and opening the house today and tommorrow. I asked my Jim to take me and he did after looking at some maps at it was in an area in Leicester we had not been to before. Wow the house was like a palace, very big and beads and more beads on display in every area of the house.
Though Im a quilter and love doing embroidery for time to time I was tempted to buy these beads for future quilt and waistcoat ideas. The gold beads for gold stars on a waistcoat and the rainbow black beads for the middle of poppy stamens, I will be showing you all when I get to these projects much later on.
Today I have another crafts group meeting to attend, I will be taking along my patchwork hexagon pieces to tack, Ive got to get loads of photocopies done of hexagons too which will mean calling in at a shop in town to get them done.
Ive posted a picture of the magical beads that I have bought.... I could of bought more but I said to myself just get what you need.... hee hee so hard in these magical places isnt it.
I hope everyone is still having quilting fun and not too cold.

The YES Concert

2009-11-19T10:05:00.000-08:00

Last Monday Jim took me, Rachel and her boyfriend David to see the YES band play in Birmingham. I had never been to a proper rock concert before in a large venue so this was great. While Jim drove us all there in the car the experience was a bit hair raising as we kept getting lost but we did find the place eventually, the Birmingham Symphony Hall.
The music was great and a great inspiration. Jon Anderson the lead singer of Yes wasn't there in the original line up but the person who took his place was good. It was nice Classic rock, no mad head banging.
On the sewing side of things I'm still working on hexagons but the rows are growing.
Ive found myself a crafts group to attend every Wednesday that will help with tips that I get stuck with. The crafts group is a lovely group of ladies doing their own project. The teacher Anne had done all her qualifications and City and Guilds in quilting and other sewing subject so its just great to be able to go to her and say
"Just how do I do this?!"
The group takes place at the side of an old church next door to the historic Belgrave Hall where I showed you some pictures from the Summer. Wednesday was an extremely cold and windy day but it was worth it just to get out and get inspiration from other crafters like myself.
Sam the old sheep dog had a couple of accidents on the living room mat, I wasn't pleased but its what old dogs do, so the mat had a good wash, so did the dog in the shower upstairs. Sam thought he had wings so that he could fly down stairs, silly Sam fell down the stairs, thankfully he didn't break anything so fingers crossed he wont have any more accidents now.
The weather is certainly very cold, bitter and none stop winds enough to give you a chill anywhere. Ive been looking in books for ideas of quickie quilts, Ive borrowed a book from the library on Kaffe Fassett yet again, theres a quilt in there that is easy and quick with strips about 3 1/2 inches across but long strips can be cut any length you want so Im going to have a go over the next couple of days while Jim is at work.
I hope everyone is having quilting fun this weekend, take care all of you
Faithx

Poppies For Today

2009-11-08T11:32:00.001-08:00

I thought I would post a picture of some poppies I painted quite a while ago.
This reflected my thoughts to everyone with today being remembrance Sunday for the fallen on all wars and the situation what is happening today in Afghanistan.
For about eight days both me and my partner Jim had a really bad cold and chest problems, thankfully this is clearing up but I got busy doing other things!, trying to catch up on duties around the house I hadn't done while being held up with a cold.
I have a nephew who is proudly in the Coldstream Guards as a soldier serving in Afghanistan. The situation is rather hairy for all the poor lads out there, Jonathan asked me to make him some biscuits and send different things so Aunty Faith has been busy baking biscuits. Only tonight did I manage to thread a needle again stitching those lovely green hexagons and OH MY! how Ive missed sewing but sometimes duty calls to do other things. I wonder what everyone else has been doing over the weekend.
Perhaps finishing those Christmas presents? or like me busy baking and doing other errands. Everyone has been in my thoughts so Ive not forgotten about you and I must catch up on every ones blogs. Take care everyone and keep on smiling and stitching.

More hexagons

2009-10-27T03:50:00.000-07:00

I'm still stitching away cutting into greens turquoises, a little purple then more yummy greens. Last night Tam gave us a surprise by killing a poor little hedgehog in the back garden. Tam never made a sound we heard her walking round the gravel but she never growled or anything, it was one silent attack on the hedgehog which made me furious. I just don't like that dog! Tam got told off and put in her cage only for her to get up to mischief again by stealing cheese from the kitchen!!
Ive enclosed a picture of Scratch while I show the growing hexagon coat idea, I have to keep stitching til the length is about four to five yards across. I do have a Kimono coat pattern idea but Jim and my mum said this would look too bulky so I'm now on the look out for another coat pattern suitable for patchwork particularly hexagons so let me know if you have any ideas or where to look.

Faithx

Stll Stitching Away

2009-10-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

I had been busy hand stitching shapes, old fashioned paper piercings hexagons still.
My aim has been to stitch about one line a day which makes me feel Ive achieved something.
I'm on different medication to help with my nerves now, so sitting down to stitch small areas is the ideal thing.
As you can guess Ive not been on the computer much as the computer just kept breaking down and crashing, poor Jim had to repair the computer over and over again staying up late for absolutely hours to try and get it mended.
Ive just been pleased to sit in a corner hand stitching away as the computer got fixed with Mr Fix It.... so fingers crossed no more breakdowns.
The nights are getting darker now and its colder.
My nephew who is like my little brother is in Afghanistan on duty along with hundreds of other troops.
I worry about Jonathan, and everyone else out there as the situation is not good.
I also wish there was peace and resolution for everybody.
About a month ago I got a stitching magazine showing blocks done by village afghan women hand stitching and quilting blocks through a charity.
My heart ached for the ladies and for everybody else out there too.
As I'm writing the heavens have decided to throw it down with rain.
Jim took me to the Local Quilters Guild to get some more fabrics and here is a photo showing what I got. The jelly rolls will be cut into squares and sewn together with the sewing machine much later on of course towards another coat or waistcoat.
I hope everyone else is having quilting fun I will go round and catch up on everyone s blog.

Take care all.

By the way Beena if you are reading this I just cannot get through to your block as it keeps saying only by invites.

Faithx

Birthday Bash

2009-10-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

On Monday the 19th of October it was my birthday and for a birthday treat
my partner Jim took me to the Cottonpatch shop in Birmingham to get some lovely material towards my patchwork coat. I thought Cottonpatch would be like a large warehouse but it was just a simple little shop with patchwork and quilting galore goodies. There were so many lovely things there it was hard to pick what to get but I got several half a metres of lovely batik greens, and some quilting threads.
Jim took me on the train and I had to accept that long distances I cant walk too far so the chair came in handy, but I will conquer this, and start to get fitter in the next couple of weeks and months. There were lots of lovely cards and gifts of perfume and chocolate from Mum, Mum In Law and Rachel. Rachel, Jim's daughter wasn't here as she was away on holiday but I loved the card and little box of chocolates.
The cloth of different hexagons is growing, stitched one by one. I shall need about four to five yards if this before adding the wadding and backing to quilt ready for a coat.
Last week I found a crafts group where there was a lady willing to help me on dressmaking in understanding the patterns which is great so this gave me an incentive to just keep going with that patchwork coat idea. Already the weather and the season, now Autumn has changed dramatically. Ive not been able to write alot on this blog in the last couple of days and weeks as most of the time the computer has been broken.
Things are slowly up and running. The printer is being naughty at the moment, but hopefully this will be sorted soon. I got some paper that you put through the printer to print on cotton for patchwork so I will let you know how I get on with this once the printer is fixed.
I must catch up with all your blogs I have not forgotten about you so please bear with me.

Busy Busy

2009-10-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

Now that the nights are getting darker and colder Ive been busy trying to get my rooms sorted out in the house. I don't have a hundred and one rooms though that would be useful for all the amount of fabric and projects that I have. The rooms downstairs with badly marked and scratched wall will get a lick of paint, thank goodness for emulsion and quick dry gloss for the skirting boards. I find I can sit down and sew better once the rooms are sorted out a little bit better.
The TV is coming on Saturday which I'm looking forward to. I did give the TV up about a year ago when I had my flat as I found it was so expensive living on your own but now that I'm with Jim I'm able to do some changes and it feels good. With being deaf I have to have subtitles on films, documentaries and the news. Its just nice to have the telly on in the background sometimes while stitching away.
The only bit of sewing I have been able to do was a cover for my beanbag that I heat in the microwave and a few hexagons on my green magical cloth of other hexagons. I found some more green material with painted gold triangles on that I painted a while ago and I'm so please to find this piece, to include it in my coat idea.
theres a good reason when Ive not written lately over the last couple of days.
I just felt I needed a break from everything just to step back and rest. When you have MS sometimes you have to do these things. The computer broke down and we thought we lost everything but we managed to retrieve things bit by bit. The photos, the pictures, happy memories and music gosh we thought wed never seem them again but thank goodness we got a lot back and they are definitely going to get saved onto disks, you just never know when it can happen again and that it can happen to you. Hope everyone will have a nice weekend, quilting or non quilting.

Package In The Mail

2009-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

My MS has been playing up but there was a lovely surprise this morning, a package came through the door on the rest of the Halloween blocks, I'm delighted with them and they are all lovely, everyone has put in a lot of hard work. I have even thought about doing some more Halloween blocks to go with them. I have taken some photos but I don't think all of them will get on here.
Also while my MS is playing up, which means I just cant get up and down from the chair as much as Id like to, Ive been stitching these hexagons towards my magic coat. They all take time but they are fun putting in my favourite green fabrics and green batik.
Ive told Jim Id like to go to a patchwork shop on my birthday in Birmingham, so I keep dropping hints here and there, lol.
I hope everyone else is having quilting fun.

Faithx

Ahoy There

2009-09-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

Don't you get that wonderful feeling when you have completed something after such a task and a challenge!! I can proudly say that I have finished my Summer Quilt Swap for this year. When I started out I hadn't a clue what to do but I'm glad I persevered.
All day yesterday and about up to midnight I worked on the backing and the binding, all done by hand.... I'm still waiting for my magical sewing machine to arrive, I know it will arrive this year as a wonderful lady is giving me one, its just at the other side of England at the moment.
I sewed on some pearl stars and hearts in the ocean and painted white on the little fishes eyes. One of the starfish points needed stitching down. I might sew a label I don't know yet as I have a ton of tidying up to do. When I'm working on a project the whole dining room which is my studio including the living room gets turned upside down loll and Ive got to sort everything out again.
It doesn't get me too down now when sometimes I'm housebound with this MS, I think great I can get on with some quilts or something little.
I'm back to sewing my lovely green hexagons so if you have any spare green batik you no longer want please send me one, I'm desperate for green batiks but the local shop here only had two sorts, how silly.
Theres little treasures to do too for all my special friends on here, I'm going to do a surprise birthday giveaway as on October the 19th Ill be 21 again with a 3 in one corner and 9 on the other arrrrgh I darent think about it lol.
Have fun looking at this piece I'm happy zappy with it and don't want to part with it but its going to a lovely home and a lovely family.

Happy Sewing!

Faithx

Summer Swap Quilt For Me!!

2009-09-23T01:52:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been extremely busy shopping, family life as usual but I had a wonderful surprise yesterday morning. A package came through the door letter box and flopped on the mat just as I was untangling the dog leads. I had totally forgotten that I would get a summer quilt swap for me too and was delighted when I opened the packet.
I got a lovely Summer Swap Quilt block, an art quilt!! I've never had one of these before from Andrea ferguson

thebrownbee.blogspot.com

the block was done with alsorts of different textures, wool, shells beautiful glass pebbles,shell, coral, and ooh the starfish was stuffed with some sort of wadding then beaded round the edge. The texture of the sand is lovely too done randomly with the sewing machine which very much makes me say.... I want one of these machines!! hee hee. I keep touching this block with my left hand so much as I type on here as I absolutely love it. Andrea has done a lovely job here, its different and certainly given me some ideas what can be done with art quilts.
The back of the block is lovely too I love the batik and the idea of the sun reflecting onto the sea.

Im still very busy hand stitching and hand quilting. Now that Jim my partner is working long hours again it will also mean I will be able to stitch for long hours too. I will post the picture of course of my finished seascape, it wont be long now, Ive just got the backing to attach and round the edges.

Almost Swimming!

2009-09-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Ive not posted anything for the last few days as I have been so busy working on the Summer Quilt Swap. Ive been held up with my silly MS as when I just wanted to get up and sew working between the ironing board and the sewing machine, just that simple process of getting up from the chair to do other things became difficult so bed rest was in order. Patchwork and Quilting didn't stop completely, I cut out some hexagons in bed while my legs had to rest. The borders have been done on the summer quilt project, Ive just got to do my favourite now which is hand quilt. At least I will be able to sit down doing this. Things aren't perfect, but does it matter? its a work of art!
Keep watching and I will let you know how I get on with this summer swap.

Fishes and Starfish A Swimming

2009-09-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Finally I finished embroidering the fishes and starfish on the Madeira Stability film.
So far I'm pleased with the results. After stitching, I cut round the shapes as you can see here then rinsed the film away in running water which left me with the stitched fishes and starfish. I left these to dry for a few hours then ironed them onto bondaweb. Thumbs up everything is looking well, Im now blanket stitching round these on the summer mini quilt. Ive got the pebbles to paint in with fabric paint and to think about the border. Thank you for everyone visiting my blog its always great to get every ones view and what you are working on.

New Addictions and Rabbits!!

2009-09-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

As you know I have up and down days with MS. Some days I can walk about the other days I just have to stay where I am and just relax where I dont get up and down from the chair all the time. Yesterday I just sat sewing hexagons together towards my dream patchwork coat and playing with this new addiction on facebook called

FARMVILLE and FARMTOWN

So if you ever want a neighbour and freind on facebook tab me and put my name down, it would be great to have quilters on facebook too.
My name is Kathleen Faith Marsden.

meanwhile on the quilting front I have sorted out the material for the rabbits.
I ironed the bonderweb on the back and cut out the hare template. Im hoping to use fabric paint to get the hares detailed, this is all an experiment. i will let you know how it goes on. I hope to put the hares on the border of that last quilt that you can see on my last post. Somehow with roses and leaves in between the hares.

Scraps from Scratch

2009-09-05T08:08:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I asked Jim to bring me down all the boxes out of the attic that

Contained all my material for patchwork and quilting. I thought this would give me

The inspiration to take the courage in doing basics again. I have in the past tried to

Follow patterns only for the project to go pearshape then put back in the boxes again, never to see daylight til another couple of years. I'm sure this has happened to other

Wanna be quilters too. Thankfully I didn’t throw all the fabric away, I still kept some, along with the wonky shapes and squares that have mysteriously grown through some

Magical time warp.

So armed with MC Calls magazine of scrap quilt ideas, I took the plunge in working on the simple blocks of square within a square and brick blocks I call them. I thought I was doing fine until horror of horrors, one strip was perfect and neat and the other strip terribly longer but just could not understand why. I gasped in absolute disappointment as I had spent days cutting out the material and sewing them, pressing them too. No wonder everything just got thrown back in the box and put back in the attic in the past.

“No!”, I thought to myself, I'm not going to do that again. Ive got all the charity quilts

that I want to get on with and I am….. going to try and sort this out.

So after a break of about an hour, I looked at the blocks and cut them neatly this time to six inch blocks perfectly trimmed with nothing hanging over the edge.

This was the mistake that I had done on the blocks so many times.

When Jim came home from work, I showed Jim the amazingly oddly shaped strip and

The perfect one, Jim was so calm and cool about it,

“Don’t worry, just unpick the seams and look at the blocks again to make sure not out of the six inch territory!”… so today I will do that.

I just might get a lift to the Fabric Guild as I need some backing material and twin size wadding.

Here is the follow up to all what has been happening. I did end up unpicking a few rows then just worked on block after block, row after row until the quilt middle came

To this. This is a practise quilt but…..I'm going to think about the border maybe fabric paint some roses who knows what will happen I will keep you all informed.

It was great to get behind my sewing machine again just doing very basic things.

I still have a lot to practise I know this quilt square is not perfect, it’s a work of art

To me, the more I do, the better I will get.

I bought some more purple from the Fabric Guild place for the backing along with some wadding. I met one lady there who may be able to put me in touch with a quilting group for this area so fingers crossed. I hope everyone else is having quilting fun. Ive got the seascape to work on now, I had to stop this a few days ago as I got

The quilters block, inspiration went out of the window, hopefully it will come back now after I take the dogs on the park and had a rest.

Fabric Play

2009-08-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the urge to get out my little sewing machine again which I have nicknamed
Zola. Zola is a little sewing machine that can cope sewing cotton fabrics but she does not like sewing seams that are quite thick such as sewing patches together at times. I had a go at fabric play using up some scraps, some blocks have turned out great and some wonky. Did that happen to you? is it normal that some blocks work and some don't? the best ones get picked out.
Jim is unfortunately working again tonight so I will be working on my seascape and some mini blocks for fun. I find now that when I want to wind down, cutting fabrics is fun and sewing a little bit on the sewing machine, providing Zola does not get the Machine version of PMT!!!
One day I will win that quilters sewing machine hee hee.
While I took some photos of the patches I decided to take some pictures out of the garden.
We had some really strong winds last night and a few days before, the winds blew some roses over from next door neighbour's garden and they are gorgeous, great for painting and playing around with arts materials.
Jim took me out to a sewing shop in an area of a different culture than normal, the shop was certainly different but I did get a few beads and another metre of bondaweb to play around with to put on the seaside picture that I'm working on.
I hope everyone else is having quilting fun.

Faithx

Something Fishy

2009-08-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

Thankfully the day is brighter today which will help me to see my stitches more. Ive decided to experiment with embroidering fishes on metallic netting. In the front I have placed some watersoluable film with the shape and design to show me where the fishes need stitching.
This is totally an experiment so I still don't know whether these little Nemos will work out or not.
I have done a similar experiment to this before with some butterflies last year. I have found some scraps of fabric to do some applique starfish. I will keep you all updated whether these fish make it to the big sea.
The cats and the nine patch blocks are in the post now flying on their way to America, I cant wait to get the other blocks. I hope everyone else will have happy quilting times today and the next few days.

The Three Huts

2009-08-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

The beach is beginning to look better now that I have added the huts. Im tired now, tommorrow I will paint in the windows then start to stitch round the edges of everything to keep them in place.
What do you think?

Dream Of The Beach

2009-08-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

While the weather has been beautiful outside I got on to some serious work, working on the Summer Swap Mini Quilt. Remember the silk piece I painted? I have now added the sand, the rocks and the clouds using silk and netting. I'm working on the beach huts at the moment which is taking time as the very fine bits of material I'm wanting to give a little coat of fray stop.
So far all is looking good.:o)

My full apologies for the beach being upside down I just cannot turn it the right way up... Ill just have a fiddle. Nope this wants to be upside down never mind... at least you get the idea.